FDA Lowers Age Limit for Buyers of ‘Morning After’ Pill to 15

A federal judge has ordered an end to restrictions which require individuals purchasing the morning after pill - Plan B One-Step - to be 17, lowering the age restriction to 15.

Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration also approved a plan to take the emergency contraception out from behind the counter, placing it on pharmacy shelves next to condoms and other over-the-counter forms of contraception. Customers will need to prove that they are at least 15 years of age in order to purchase Plan B.

Advocates of the move applaud the FDA's decision.

"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," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash. "It's also a decision that moves us closer to these critical availability decisions being based on science, not politics."

The group Concerned Women of America opposes the ruling.

"It makes no sense that kids need parental permission to take aspirin at school, but they're free to buy and administer Plan B," Penny Nance, CEO and president of CWA, said in a statement.

How do you feel about the government's move to ease restrictions on the morning after pill? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

- George McIntyre
Email George Here
Like Cars 108 on Facebook
Connect with George on Facebook

[Source]