US eases emergency contraception restrictions
Markus MacGill
pharmaphorum
Teva’s Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) ‘morning after’ pill is to become available over-the-counter in the US, removing the need to see a pharmacist, and it will be open to any woman or girl 15 years of age or older.
The emergency contraception was previously available only from a pharmacists to women aged 17 or older. The US Food and Drug Administration says it has relaxed this restriction independently of a court decision requiring it to do so.
“This decision allows stores to place Plan B One-Step directly on store shelves, so that women have immediate access to emergency contraception when they need it most to help reduce their chance of unintended pregnancy.”
“Providing easier access to emergency contraception will allow women greater control over their reproductive health and family planning goals.”
Ashlesha Patel, system director of family planning services of Cook County Health &, Hospitals System, US.
Teenaged girls will be able to find Plan B on the same shop shelf as condoms and spermicides in the US but will need to prove their age at the cash register.
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Related news:
FDA: Morning-after pill to move over the counter (Yahoo! News)
FDA Approves Sale of Plan B Without Prescription for Ages 15 and Older (The Wall Street Journal)
FDA says morning-after pill must be available to anyone over 15 (The Guardian)
FDA Lowers Age for Buyers of Plan B Pill to 15 (ABC News)
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