Lower Age For Plan B Access Is 'Break From Ideologically Driven Policies,' NYT Editorial Says

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 27 Apr 2009 - 1:00 PST

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FDA's decision Wednesday to allow nonprescription access to the emergency contraceptive Plan B for individuals ages 17 and older was a "further break from the Bush administration's ideologically driven policies on birth control" and a "wise move that complies with a recent order by a federal judge, based on voluminous evidence in FDA files that girls that young can use the pills safely," a New York Times editorial says.

During the Bush administration, FDA ignored its own scientists and "refused" to allow nonprescription sale of Plan B to anyone, insisting that women go through the "time-consuming process" of obtaining and filling a prescription, which "could often render the pills useless," according to the editorial. The editorial notes that Plan B prevents pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse and is most effective if taken within 24 hours.

The editorial continues that FDA "finally relented in 2006" and made Plan B available without a prescription to women ages 18 and older. Although to date "there has been no measurable effect on abortion or teenage pregnancy rates, ... individual women in distress have surely benefited from easier access," the editorial says. It adds, "Still to be determined is how the FDA will respond to the judge's additional order that it consider removing any age restrictions, as recommended by health authorities." So far, there is "no indication" that the drug's manufacturer intends to seek FDA approval to market Plan B for use by individuals ages 16 and younger, according to the editorial (New York Times, 4/24).

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