About the “Morning After Pill”
Plan B and other forms of emergency contraception, often called the morning after pill, have been approved for use and available for sale for many years in the U.S. and other countries. These treatments are considered to be safe and effective forms of “last chance” contraception. They are not meant to be used as a regular form of birth control, but rather can be used when intercourse has taken place either without reliable birth control, or when the birth control method has failed (e.g. a condom has broken).Recent Controversy Regarding Plan B, the Morning After Pill
Currently you need a prescription to obtain Plan B. Because the morning after pill is most effective when taken immediately after unprotected intercourse, and because unprotected intercourse may more often occur at night or on weekends (when it is difficult to get a prescription) there was a move to consider whether Plan B could be made available without a prescription, making it easier for women to access, and more effective.In December 2003 a scientific advisory committee voted overwhelmingly that the FDA should make the morning after contraceptive pills available “over the counter” meaning a prescription would not be required
While the FDA in most cases follows the recommendations of its scientific advisors, in May 2004, the FDA did not approve Plan B for nonprescription sale and instead has stalled decisions through a variety of tactics. While the FDA denies that political pressure influenced decision making, an internal government investigation raised concerns about the decision, and stated that it was questionable and unusual in several respects (including a series of deleted or missing emails between senior officials).
What’s Next for Plan B?
Some States that are unhappy with the FDA’s actions are considering actions of their own. In Wisconsin, Governor Jim Doyle formally granted the state approval to sue the FDA regarding the delayed decision.
Recently, drug store chain Walgreen’s has disciplined four pharmacists who refused to fill prescriptions for EC. All four employees were put on unpaid leave for violating company policy which states that pharmacists may refuse to fill prescriptions to which they are morally opposed — except where state law prohibits. Even in such cases they are required to have the prescription filled by another pharmacist or store.
Back Up Your Birth Control – More Information about Emergency Contraception
