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Feds: No Morning-After Pill for Young Teens Without Rx

Health chief overrules FDA, forbids over-the-counter sales to girls

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 7, 2011 1:17 PM CST

(Newser) – The federal government is split on the "morning after pill," with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today overruling the FDA's decision to make Plan B available to even young teenagers without a prescription. The drug's maker requested the change in February, and though FDA Administrator Margaret Hamburg said she found it safe enough to be used by all ages without a prescription, Sebelius disagreed.

The Washington Post calls the move "surprising," and notes that it's quite a blow to the doctors and activists who staunchly supported making the controversial drug available over the counter. Opponents, however, had argued that such a move would make it more difficult for parents to monitor their children and could even allow men to prey on teenage girls by forcing them to take the pill after being assaulted.

The Plan B pill, also known as the 'morning after' pill, is displayed on a pharmacy shelf February 27, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Plan B pill, also known as the 'morning after' pill, is displayed on a pharmacy shelf February 27, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
bigwillie
Dec 9, 2011 12:47 PM CST
Have to agree with her here.  with freedom comes responsibilities.  look at onother angle, why would anyone use a condom when it would be even easier to just take a pill.  pill doesnt protect against any STD's  just a baby.  so who are we trying to look out for.  it seems that as adults we should be trying to help our children, not enable them to devoid of understanding the  consiquences of there actions.  and for the "what if they are raped" comments.  then call the cops or tell your parent and get the pil or what not.  that would be the logical thing to do if you are raped.
fractal
Dec 8, 2011 6:08 AM CST
Most of these teens will be able to get the morning after pill on the black market---at school.  Once there is a demand, there will be an easy supply, especially since anyone 18 can get it without prescription. 
chezwhat
Dec 7, 2011 7:26 PM CST
republicans. love the fetus, hate the child. nothing ever changes.

 
contraception • FDA • Health and Human Services • Plan B • contraceptive • Kathleen Sebelius • morning after pill • Margaret Hamburg

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