FDA Approves Plan B for 17 year olds
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: April 23, 2009
17-year-olds now have the okay from the FDA to purchase the 'morning after' pill over the counter, without a prescription.
Previously -- the contraceptive, also known as Plan B, was only available to those 18 and older with a valid ID. Teens younger than 18 had to have a prescription.
Opponents say the high doses of estrogen in the pill are bad for young girls, and that younger access will only promote teens being sexually active. The FDA says their decision is based on high rates of teen pregnancy, due to a lack of education about birth control methods.
Tony Thornto, Planned Parenthood of Lubbock: "We have not seen an increase in people changing their behavior. It's not about that, it's about having a product that you can have access to to prevent a pregnancy."
Plan B won't become available for 17-year-olds until the manufacturer goes through the process for a labeling change. Thornton says that could be awhile.
