On June 20, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the over-the-counter sales of Plan B One-Step, lifting the age limits on the emergency contraceptive to under 17.
With no date set as of yet as to when the pills would be on shelves, the packaging will have to be changed to reflect the age restrictions that have changed. Before Thursday’s decision was made, customers could buy that morning-after pill and generic versions without a prescription if they could prove to pharmacist that they were 17 or older.
The morning-after pill is said to contain a higher dose of the hormones that are found in regular birth control pills. Taking a single pill within 72 hours of suspected fertilization is believed to cut the chances of pregnancy by up to 89 percent but works best if taken within the first 24 hours after intercourse.
Of course the OTC emergency comes with supporters, as well as, opposers. Supporters feel this is a greart way to terminate unwanted pregnancies caused by rape, missed regular contraception and decrease the percentage of teen pregnancy. Opposers however, feel that with these pills being openly available STD outbreaks may increase and also prevent young girls from getting he medical care they need while undermiming parental rights.
Once the single pill dose hits store shelves, they will cost $50 per dose.
