Supreme Court Makes FDA Review Plan B Availability

Boston (HealthKnowItAll) - A US court has ordered the Food and Drug Administration to re-evaluate their stance on the morning after pill.

The pill, Plan B, is manufactured by Barr Pharmaceuticals, who originally intended it to be available for anybody, regardless of their age.

The morning after pill is very important, as women take it after unprotected sex to fend off the chance of an unwanted pregnancy.

Currently, the morning after pill is available for purchase over the counter by women over the age of 18, who show proof of age.

The drug is also available for girls 17 years of age, who have a prescription for it.

The court wants the FDA to change their position on the drug, to also allow it to be available for 17 year olds without a prescription.

“While we did not file the Citizens’ Petition, the company believes that timely access to Plan B is extremely important, as the sooner Plan B is taken the more effective it is. We will work closely with the FDA to ensure that all provisions of this decision are met,” said Teva spokeswoman Denise Bradley.

“The court recognized that the FDA favored politics over science, ideology over women’s health, and violated the law in the process,” said Nancy Northrup, president of Center for Reproductive Rights.