Remembering Sharon Camp: The Visionary Behind Plan B

Sharon Camp: A Legacy of Advocacy

Sharon Camp, widely recognized as the mother of Plan B, passed away on October 25, 2025, in La Plata, Maryland, at the age of 81. A fervent advocate for women's reproductive health, she founded one of the smallest yet most impactful pharmaceutical companies to bring Plan B to the market, navigating a landscape fraught with both political and social challenges.

A Journey Through Obstacles

Initially launched in the 1970s, emergency contraception was a radical concept often rejected or overlooked by major pharmaceutical companies. Camp's journey began as a seasoned Capitol Hill lobbyist, where she witnessed firsthand the bipartisan support for family planning, a sentiment that oddly lost traction in later years. With a Ph.D. in international relations, her determination was fueled by both her professional background and personal experiences, including her near-fatal illegal abortion at the age of 23 in Mexico.

The Birth of Women's Capital Corporation

In 1997, frustrated by the pharmaceutical industry's response to women's reproductive health needs, Camp founded Women's Capital Corporation. As a company consisting initially of just three people, including herself, she aimed to break through the barriers that had historically impeded access to emergency contraception. She approached 150 venture capital firms, only to be rejected at every turn.

A Pioneering Spirit in a Constrained Industry

Unwilling to concede defeat, Camp turned to reproductive health organizations and philanthropic foundations. This innovative funding approach allowed her to gather enough resources to actualize her vision. Despite considerable financial hurdles, which included navigating FDA regulations, Camp pressed on, driven by her belief in the necessity of making contraception accessible and safe.

Choosing the Right Name

Alongside her team, Camp enlisted a naming company to coin an appropriate identity for this groundbreaking pill. Out of numerous options, “Plan B” emerged as the clear favorite—a name that resonated due to its straightforwardness, signifying a second chance for many women. However, the initial FDA rejection of the name, which was dismissed as “flippant,” illustrates the profound challenges Camp faced from regulatory bodies that were often misaligned with public health goals.

Years of Negotiation and Regulatory Headwinds

Finally, in 1999, after years of navigating regulatory quagmires, the FDA approved Plan B—though with significant restrictions, requiring a doctor's prescription for access. Camp and her allies were not deterred; they recognized that true success would only be achieved through over-the-counter sales. After years of pressure and advocacy, over-the-counter approval was granted in 2006, albeit with age restrictions that some activists, including Camp, opposed.

The Ripple Effect on Reproductive Rights

Dr. Camp's achievements did not merely change the landscape of emergency contraception; they inspired a movement toward broader reproductive rights dialogues. By positioning Plan B as a preventative measure, she reframed it as a tool for reducing unwanted pregnancies rather than merely a backup for contraceptive failures, thus inviting a more nuanced conversation about women's health.

A Life of Resilience and Commitment

Born on November 7, 1943, Camp's early life in Pennsylvania and her formative experiences in California drove her commitment to reproductive health. A graduate of Pomona College with further degrees from Johns Hopkins University, her trajectory in public health was winding yet impactful, ultimately culminating in her role as the president of the Guttmacher Institute.

The Challenges Remain

Even today, the debate around emergency contraceptives has become increasingly polarized, with misinformation and opposition from various factions. Camp's hopes that Plan B could bridge divides in the reproductive rights movement were often met with the grim reality of escalating hostilities. “One of the things that has attracted me about emergency contraception from the beginning is that the pro-choice movement doesn't really own it; it's the anti-abortion pill,” she remarked in an interview, illustrating her foresight regarding the intricate web of socio-political dynamics that surround reproductive health issues.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

Sharon Camp's work remains a beacon of innovation and determination, reminding us that access to reproductive health is not merely a political issue but a vital aspect of public health. Her legacy serves as both a tribute to a life dedicated to women's health and as a call to action amidst ongoing challenges. While Plan B may now represent a more commonplace option for emergency contraception, the ethos Camp championed—a commitment to accessible reproductive health—is as relevant today as it was during her pioneering efforts.

“Damn it, if they won't do it, we'll do it ourselves,” Camp proclaimed, a testament to her relentless spirit and a rallying cry for advocates everywhere.