Plan B Cleared for Sale Over
the Counter
Los Angeles
Times
Denise Geleene; Johanna Neuman
(08.25.06)
After three years of polarizing debate, the Food and Drug Administration on
Thursday decided to make the "morning-after" contraceptive known as Plan B
available without a prescription to persons age 18 and older. The pills can be
distributed only by pharmacists at drug stores and health clinics. Buyers will
be required to show proof of age, and females under age 18 will need a
prescription to purchase them.
California and eight other states already allow pharmacists to distribute the
pills to teens and women without a prescription; the new ruling will have no
effect on this policy. In a statement, Planned Parenthood President Cecile
Richards said FDA's move was "an important victory and long overdue" and will
help prevent some of the 1.5 million unplanned pregnancies in the United States
each year. Some conservatives voiced opposition, saying easier access to Plan B
would result in more STDs and teen promiscuity. Concerned Women of America
President Wendy Wright expressed concern that statutory rapists will buy the
drug for teens "to cover up their abuse."