FDA’s Morning After Pill Shift Stirs Debate
Jacksonville – The age limit has changed for the FDA approved morning after pill, allowing 17 year olds to purchase the pill without a prescription.
The FDA made the decision to overturn the Bush administration policy. That policy would only allow the pill, also known as Plan B, to women eighteen years old and older. In March the District Court judge, Edward Korman, of New York ordered the FDA to lower the age limit felt the basis of the Bush policy was on politics and not science. Korman ordered it to be done within 30 days. With the new rule in order, anyone over 17 are able to purchase the Plan B contraceptive without a prescription. In the ruling Edward Koman noted that Plan B is the only emergency contraceptive that is currently available in the United States.
FDA stated they have sent a letter to Durmamed Research, Plan B’s maker, that states, upon submission and approval of an appropriate application, the company may maket the pill to women 17 years of age and older without a prescription.
The Plan B pill is known as the morning after pill, because it prevents any conception to occur, after a woman has had intercourse, up to 72 hours later. The pill consists of much greater levels of progestin than other pills, and is used for up to 24 hours after unprotected sexual activity, to prevent any unwanted pregnancies.
Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee says that they are pleased with the decision. Mark Huffman, who is involved with Planned Parenthood states that they welcome any move the FDA will do to increase the ability of any young women to prevent any unintended pregnancy.
People that are concerned with this change believe that this will result with more teens having sex.
Huffman says that there are studies around the world that more available birth control doesn’t mean more teens will become sexually active.
The new policy won’t be available immediately, because the procedure of changing the label could take a few months to get it implemented.
An email was sent to WebMD from Denise Bradley, a Teva Pharmaceuticals spokeswoman stating that they support the FDA’s decision to expand Plan B to 17 year old and older women. The company believes that quick access to Pan B is important, and it is more effective the sooner it is taken, and they will work closely with the FDA to ensure all proper provisions are met.
