The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday authorized the over-the-counter sale of emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step for women aged 15 and up.
The Obama administration has been under pressure to relent on its decision in December 2011 to block over-the-counter sale of the morning-after pill for girls younger than 17. A federal judge recently overturned that decision.
Reproductive rights advocates, including Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Planned Parenthood, immediately hailed the FDA’s move Tuesday as a step in the right direction.
“This decision is a step in the right direction for increased access to a product that is a safe and effective method of preventing unintended pregnancies,” Murray said. “It’s also a decision that moves us closer to these critical availability decisions being based on science, not politics. Plan B is an essential part of a woman’s basic health care and I will continue to push for more information from FDA and HHS on the practical application of this policy while also working to ensure that access is based on science, safety, and efficacy.”
