Plan B Cleared for Sale Over the Counter

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."

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