FDA Says that Even 17 Years Olds Could
Also Buy Plan B Without Prescription
The FDA announced
today that the Plan B, also known as contraception
pill or morning-after pill is now available to women 17 and older without a prescription.
Until now Plan B was available only for those OTC 18 and older. The FDA decision
is the result of a court decision in March 23, asking the FDA to allow 17-year-olds
to buy the emergency contraception pill, and asked the department to examine whether
the pill should be available to all women ages without a prescription.
In
a statement released today by the FDA, "according to court order, and consistent
with scientific findings from 2005 by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research,
FDA sent a letter to the manufacturer of Plan B that the company may after submission
and approval of an application, purchase Plan B without a prescription to women
17 years and over. "
Planned parenthood Federation of America President
Cecile Richards said in a statement that the FDA announcement is "a strong statement
for American women in health that comes before politics. And this is how it should
be. This decision is a joint sensible policies that will help reduce the number
of unintended pregnancies and protect health and safety of all women. "
Note:
The above press release for general awareness on contraception pill and should
not be treated as the recommendation.