Health

Will the FDA Make Room for the Morning-After Pill on Drug Store Shelves?

The manufacturer of Plan B, or the morning-after pill, has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to allow the emergency contraceptive to be placed directly on store shelves.

FDA to decide on morning-after pill without a prescription for all agesPlan B now comes in a one-step pill and the manufacturer wants it on store shelves without a prescription for all ages. (Photo: Plan B)

As it stands, Plan B, or the morning-after pill, is considered an over-the-counter drug but only for those older than 17 years of age. Women seeking the pill under 17 need a prescription for the drug. The Washington Post reports that the FDA has till Wednesday to make a decision if the pill will be made available for general purchase:

“Hopefully, it will be right on the shelves between the condoms and the pregnancy tests,” said Kirsten Moore of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project, a Washington-based advocacy group. “We think it’s good news for women’s health and long overdue.”

[...]

The drug has long been controversial and was the focus of one of the biggest health disputes during the administration of President George W. Bush. Plan B works primarily by preventing an egg from being fertilized. Critics, however, focus on the chance that it may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb, an action they consider equivalent to an abortion. As a result, it has been the subject of intense debate and conflict. Some doctors refuse to write prescriptions for it, some pharmacists refuse to fill requests, and some hospitals refuse to provide it to patients.

“It’s not a drug that prevents life — it’s a drug that destroys life,” said Jeanne Monahan of the Family Research Council, a conservative advocacy group. “If we define life as beginning at fertilization or conception, then this drug can be an abortifacient.”

According to Plan B One Step, the drug, when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, is nearly 90 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. The manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, states on the drug’s website that Plan B is not the abortion pill.

The Washington Post goes on to report that opponents are also concerned over the level of parent’s rights being taken away if this drug were allowed to be sold to those under 17 years without a prescription and also that it opens the door to abuse of vulnerable minors:

“Parents have to sign a permission slip for their children to go on a class trip or get their ears pierced,” [Janice Crouse of Concerned Women of America] Crouse said. “When you are talking about selling something like this over the counter, you are opening up a can of worms when it comes to parental involvement in their children’s lives.”

The Post notes that Teva made this request citing two studies that showed girls under the age of 17 — as young as 11 — understood package labeling and proper use of the medication.

[H/T Fox News]

Comments (68)

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  • Kristin R Smith
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 6:00pm

    As a nurse, I know this trash will also cause a woman to abort. So, 17 should know better, but if you don’t want your kids useing this stuff know who their with and where they are. Adults do your duty you brought them into this world keep them safe!

    Report Post » Kristin R Smith  
    • 123456beatriz
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 1:07pm

      Saddly The women and men can not understand limit to have children. Is better to control birth using something! and avoid abortions. What do you want to see like the woman with 15 childrens, irresponsable?, and the rest of us with OUR work feeding them?. What do you want?

      Report Post »  
  • Freedomtothink
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 2:04pm

    Why do we continue to argue about this? We can’t do anything to stop people from doing what they want to do. If you believe in God you believe that everything happens for a reason. If the Atheists and other Liberals want to play God that’s their problem not ours.

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 3:13pm

      “When you are talking about selling something like this over the counter, you are opening up a can of worms when it comes to parental involvement in their children’s lives.” So i guess based on this logic, individuals under that age of 17 should need parental consent to buy a condom. Outcome is the same, just a different form of contraception. Let’s not forget what an IUD does. Even if you are anti-abortion you should accept the notion that a woman has a right to prevent pregnancy by whatever means possible. Or perhaps the intelligent, church inspired rhythm is they way to go. People worry about you own lives and own actions. I’m sure they need as much inspiration from God as what you want to impose on others.

      Report Post »  
  • G.E.R
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:54pm

    I guess women plunging away with wire hanger is more socially acceptable

    Report Post »  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 4:09pm

      With some of the people I’ve read on this board and others they would applaud it.Sick twisted moral ground that they choose to be on isn’t.

      Report Post »  
  • sbmmomma
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:32pm

    But we cannot buy anti-histamins or cold medicine without ID and soon we will be required to have a prescription for them. If allergies came from amorality-they would be forced on all of us by the libs.

    Report Post »  
  • sirdevloin
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:02pm

    Plan B does NOT abort a fetus or terminate a fertilized egg. It inhibits or prevents ovulation, so that the egg and sperm never rendezvous. There is a very small window for ovulation and if you take Plan B after you ovulate and when the sperm fertilizes the egg, then Plan B has no effect. The woman is still pregnant and life goes on.

    It is a completely distinct pill from RU486. That being said, I do not think underage girls should have access to emergency contraception without parental consent. It is an intense combination of hormones and I don’t believe young girls have the responsibility or understanding to purchase and take this pill and know what it means and its ramifications (of course, they shouldn’t be having sex in the first place, but that’s an argument for another day). I also think 17 is too young, as well.

    If you are over 18, I think you should be able to show your ID, give your signature, and have access to emergency contraception (note: contraception!). To those who oppose it thinking that it is killing a fetus, that simply is not true. It just keeps fertilization from happening in the first place (but again, if a woman already ovulated, chances are, the pill will be ineffective).

    I can’t figure out why the FDA thinks young girls have the capacity and responsibility to have access to emergency contraception without parental consent. ???

    Report Post »  
  • bernbart
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:00pm

    Great idea, and No preventing implantation is NOT equivalent to abortion. It prevents abortion.
    The only people who have doubts about Plan B are non medical politicos who are in the pro-life movement. Those who oppose birth control show how fanatical they really are, and for them their opposition is about controlling women and nothing else. YOU would think they would support anything that help prevents an UNPLANNED pregnancy and the need for abortion.

    Report Post »  
  • Pharmer1
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:57am

    For as long as all of the morning after pills have been on the market, they have been required to admit to a mechanism of preventing implantation in the information to the prescribers.
    The most fertile period of a woman is four days before to one day AFTER ovulation.
    Some of those who sell the pills postulate that the pill failures are all attributable to use after ovulation has occurred.
    It is not possible to claim a 90 percent efficacy, while at the same time claiming that post fertilization effects (ending the life of the early embryo) do not contribute to the efficacy.
    (The efficacy of Plan B in usual usage is closer to that of the withdrawal method)
    The morning after pills (all of them ) are said to have multiple mechanisms, which include killing the early embryo by interfering with implantation.
    http://themorningafter.us/chemical-abortion/

    Report Post »  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Your wrong, and your information is pro-life misinformation. Plan B is designed to take within 24 hours after sex.

      Report Post »  
    • vpro93
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 1:48pm

      Sorry, I guess I misunderstood. I didn’t know you were a medical chemist or that “streampod” was a credible source of complex medical information…

      Report Post »  
  • Bonnieblue2A
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:38am

    Wait, so Queen Sebelius of the HHS may force me to get a prescription for a previously OTC ani-histamine containing cold remedy so I can prove I am not a meth. lab operator but murder of innocent life is OTC on demand ? Seriously?

    God will not let the US off for the murder of babies. We are only beginning to see the punishment. Pray!

    Report Post »  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:14pm

      Nobody is forcing you or anyone else to do anything . It is a CHOICE!

      Report Post »  
    • iono12345
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 6:58pm

      Yeah apparently you didn’t read how the pill works…i.e. not an abortion pill, but a preventive pregnancy pill, then again if it is not in the bible I guess it doesn’t matter…so lets all pray, hopefully teenagers won’t have sex, hopefully all kids will have great relationships with their parents and come clean if they do have sex or better yet, let‘s hope the boyfriend doesn’t have mad skills to talk the panties off of your little girl, let us pray….

      Report Post »  
  • TeaPartyGoth97
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:35am

    By God, Simple(ton)truths,
    If I hear one more damn person say that something like that, I will go ballistic. You are destroying someone before he or she even has a chance to enter this world! Everyone deserves a chance, and just because some whore doesn’t want the responsibility of a living, breathing, being being, doesn’t mean you have the right to destroy!

    Report Post » TeaPartyGoth97  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:04pm

      It prevent implantation, so there is NO life involved at all. Next lifers will want to ban a woman’s monthly cycle which also expels and prevents implantation.

      Report Post »  
  • kimberlyjesus
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:57am

    Ha, Ha, Ha, there will be no more drugs next year. GOD will burn them all including illegal drugs. You will have to rely on GOD alone! Your profits will be down the drain! Ha, Ha, Ha!

    Report Post »  
  • MidWestMom
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:43am

    One could argue this pill contributes to the lack of personal responsibility mind-set.

    Report Post »  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:09pm

      Wrong women who use contraceptives are being very responsible. The irresponsible people are those who do not believe in contraceptives.

      Report Post »  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 2:17pm

      My point was some view this pill AS a form of birth control. Having attitude of “I don’t have to bother with birth control pills, condoms or (gasp!) controlling my behaviour because I can buy this pill” is not being responsible.

      Report Post »  
  • PATRIOTGRUNT
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:36am

    Sure they will . There is a bunch of shelf space availiable , just put them in the same place that the evil inhalers were. That wasn’t hard.

    Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
  • TheSitRep
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:29am

    They should be included in the school free lunch program.:)

    Report Post » TheSitRep  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:16am

    Plan B: Fought for by Hillary Clinton and Patty Murray. A Progressive win!

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • computernerd2352
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:16am

    In my area there is a school where all of the girls wanted to have sex before getting out of grade school! If they need to give birth control to minors then they are saying it is fine to do this kind of behavior. What happened to our country?

    Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:14am

    What happens when they start taking it a week after ? Or a month after ? Birth defects….

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:18am

      It’s ineffective after 72 hours and says so right on the package, so I’d blame those issues on illiteracy, not the pill…

      Report Post »  
  • garyM
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:06am

    OFF TOPIC:
    Glenn just had Newt Gingrich on his radio show this morning attempting to show Newt’s progressive side, why? Well shortly this morning Backman is coming and let‘s see how Backman helps Glenn show Newt’s bad side. Will that help Backmann, I doubt it, at least enough to win but if Backmann can take enough votes away from Newt, it will move brother Romney right to the front! I’m kind of like Glenn, I always look at what people don’t say as much as what they do say!

    Report Post »  
    • garyM
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:28am

      A caller named David called in and peed Glenn off, he said Glenn winked while interviewing Gingrich, I don’t know if he winked but he did some non verbal communications I understood which was negative about Gingrich. David thought Glenn was trying to help Backmann, He can’t see this is only to take votes away from Newt giving them Backmann making Romney the nominee. I don’t want a progressive either and Romney is the biggest progressive in the lineup. He signed the first mandatory health care. Has Glenn had Romney on asking him the tough questions. You get my drift!

      Report Post »  
    • Bonnieblue2A
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:41am

      Actions speak louder than words.

      Ron Paul 2012!
      (and yes, I stand with Israel)

      Report Post »  
  • Sleazy Hippo
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:53am

    I think Ayn Rand would be behind this 110% and So Am I!

    This is an example of a rugged, intrepid Pharma Entrepreneur overcoming Big Gummint regulations to make a killing on the baby-maybe market!

    Report Post » Sleazy Hippo  
  • objectivetruth
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:46am

    Its about time.If they can prevent underage users from getting it then I’m fine with it.Do any of you know the headache of trying to explain or get an appointment with a ob-gyn for something like this?Unless a women has been going to one for a long time she can’t just call and have a prescription called in.It requires a trip expense and a female check up[whether you need one or not-There is a risk of acquiring an infection from exams.Its one of the reasons the ob-gyn doctors now recommend paps only every three years in healthy women]
    Thank God someone finally had sense to do this.

    Report Post »  
    • PlayTheMan
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:46am

      You said “if they can prevent underage users from getting it”. Two problems with that line of thought: first – You never define ‘underage’. 18? it’s already available over the counter to 17 year olds.
      Second – There is no ‘if’ to it. the article even says that 11 year olds should be able to successfully utilize this drug. that implies sexually active 11 year olds. Great!, don’t stop there, if it’s okay for an eleven year old why not 9, or 6? See my point? You go doen the road of morale relativism and you end up at a dead end.

      Report Post »  
    • PATRIOTGRUNT
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:34pm

      @ OBJECTIVETRUTH : I guess you are thinking there is no Teen alcohol problem because you have to be 21 in order to buy it. There is no Teen drug use because it is illegal. I‘m just saying that if it’s availiable people / kids will find a way to get it just like booze. Older friends will have no problem buying it.

      Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
    • hollister4530
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 3:35pm

      Not to get off the subject, but I have never heard of any doctors only recommending a pap every 3 years! A lot can happen to your body in 3 years. I think I’ll risk an inconvenient infection as opposed to ovarian cancer or breast cancer etc. Not sure who or where your doctor is or where he studied medicine at, but I think I would be shopping around! I think once a year is too long to wait in between visits (not that I particularly like the experience). Hell, your even supposed to go to the dentist at least 2 times a year! Luckily I have been blessed with perfect teeth and a killer smile, so I don’t have any oral problems, but ******* health is just as important as oral. I assume you run the same risk of infection by going to the dentist… or the gas station… or the supermarket… or the restroom…. actually pretty much any public place. Regardless though…. if Obamacare gets implemented, it will probably be even longer that women will have to wait for their annual exams! I’ll take my chance on not seeing a doctor as opposed to my only option being a government appointed one! NO THANK YOU!

      Report Post » hollister4530  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 3:45pm

      This isn’t about the moral compass of this in underage circles.You can‘t and won’t stop those who are underage from doing anything they really want to do.Its that there is a legitamacy of legality involved.
      Due to legal restrictions the pharmacys have to have a date of age given for control records.
      If its such a hassle then back counter it.I’d say that it should be illegal for anyone under the age of majority [for consenting to sex]and based on that states age limit.Your argument that their friends will get it for them may be true.Are we supposed to stop all grown up activity due to what a child may do especially when we have taken steps to make sure that they don’t?

      Report Post »  
    • hollister4530
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 3:54pm

      I will NOT give up sex and Bacardi!!!!!! LOL

      Report Post » hollister4530  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 3:57pm

      @Hollister
      You in fact, were using some seriously silly arguments as to infection causes. to make your point.I understand you think I’m being silly, well I’m not.Disposable speculums can be infected and tainted from the factory.Old types of speclums that are autoclaved still can pass on certain types of infections.They in fact are the more serious types and could quite literally be antibiotic resistant.
      As to the schedule see the following
      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003911.htm
      http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pap-smear/MY00090/DSECTION=why-its-done

      Report Post »  
    • idarusskie
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 3:12am

      You can buy this now without a prescription. The cost is 50.00 for one pill and for this reason you will not see it on the shelves. too easy to steal.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:44am

    Obamacare forces all health insurance policies to cover birth control. That should bring costs down, right? (sarcasm)

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:27pm

      Every health plans should cover contraceptives, as it is good preventative care.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:31am

    .
    This should have been Obama‘s Mama’s Plan A……………

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • edcoil
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:33am

      Amazing. the FDA ban’s the emergency breathing devices for people with breathing problems yet put this stuff on the shelf next to the M&M and oat Power Bars.

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:33am

      Amen, they should put norplant in every girl when then turn 12 and only take out at 25 or when they get married.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:53am

      Monkey, can you honestly not see the LSU avatar? I’m seeing it honest to goodness.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 11:13am

      .
      I told you to put the bottle down Gonzo……….

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • objectivetruth
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 4:07pm

      @swampy
      Do you have any idea of the side effects of norplant?Do you seriously want any teenager taking it?
      Its almost as bad as depo provera which now has a two year limit[least ways in women for birth control-Nor in men where its used as a chemical castration agent for rapists and sexual offenders]Yes it is used for that in men.On second thought maybe you have hit on a good idea after all we can give that to teenage boys.
      How about we teach abstinence and responsibility for those who can’t practice it?

      Report Post »  
  • Locked
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:30am

    I’m going to say “No” to this. Not because I consider it abortion (I don’t), but because it can have major side effects. It’s not like a condom or a pregnancy test, where it has no effect; it works by throwing female hormones into a tizzy. Children can’t get the pill without a prescription; Plan B is a concentrated dose of similar hormones, so why should that be available the same way to children who could misuse or misunderstand it?

    Report Post »  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:25pm

      Girls who are old enough to get pregnant are not children.

      Report Post »  
    • PATRIOTGRUNT
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:57pm

      @ BRAINFART : There were several 9 year old girls in Mexico and a 10 year old here in the US that gave birth this year. I guess that you have no problem with having sex with the 9 & 10 year old “ women ”. After all “ If they can have a baby they are not children ”. Muslims think the same.

      Report Post » PATRIOTGRUNT  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 1:12pm

      @Bernbart

      “Girls who are old enough to get pregnant are not children.”

      The US government would disagree with you. Depending on state laws, girls under the ages of 16-18 are considered children. Legally, their parents are in charge of them.

      “I guess that you have no problem with having sex with the 9 & 10 year old “ women ”. After all “ If they can have a baby they are not children ”. Muslims think the same.”

      This doesn’t help the conversation at all. It has to do, in the US, with the legal rights of children and who is responsible for them. Until they reach majority, children cannot legally sign a contract. They can’t vote until 18, drink until 21, or a host of other decisions. Do we think girls won‘t have sex until they’re 17? Of course not: but I don‘t think it’s safe to let drugs with known side effects be given out without permission or supervision.

      Report Post »  
  • John Morton
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:27am

    “Plan B works primarily by preventing an egg from being fertilized.”

    No, that’s not how it works, fertilization is inevitable.

    It only serves to prevent implantation of the child.

    Report Post »  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:44am

      If by “child” you mean a one-cell zygote.

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
    • Locked
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:46am

      Actually, it is correct. The rush of hormones messes with ovulation, thus stopping the egg and sperm from ever meeting; no fertilization occurs. It may also trick the uterus into thinking implantation has occurred, thus making the uterine lining less receptive and likely to “take” a fertilized egg; however, this is subject to debate and not the primary action of Plan B. And if implantation has already occurred, it has no effect; no “abortion” will occur if the fertilized egg has taken.

      I’m curious where your information comes from however. All the studies I‘ve read on the subject state what I’ve stated: which studies do you have showing that it only prevents implantation, not fertilization? The study by Leung, Levine, and Soon (2010) for example, concludes that “The evidence strongly supports disruption of ovulation as a mechanism of action. The data suggest that emergency contraceptives are unlikely to act by interfering with implantation”.

      Report Post »  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:21pm

      Fertilization is NOT inevitable. Why do you think women have a monthly period?

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:23am

    Not only, “No” but “hell NO!”

    Not in our community!

    Report Post »  
    • bernbart
      Posted on December 6, 2011 at 12:23pm

      If you think you can control women you are are a dreamer. We decide!

      Report Post »  
    • MSMOM
      Posted on December 7, 2011 at 11:18am

      A 12 yr old is not a woman they are a child….

      Report Post »  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on December 6, 2011 at 9:21am

    Hmn….

    Report Post » Stoic one  
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