Plan B
Yesterday the FDA approved the morning-after contraception pill, or Plan B. An AP report says, "Women may buy the morning-after pill without a prescription -- but only with proof they're 18 or older, federal health officials ruled Thursday, capping a contentious 3-year effort to ease access to the emergency contraceptive." On the In the News thread, shalom-steph notes, "It is projected that this will reduce unintended pregnancies by up to 80%, which will also reduce abortions. It is a good first step."
Of course the first question that comes up is, well, won't there be pharmacies (ahem, Wal-Marts in the south, mayhaps?) who will refuse to carry the pill?
And, as cl-libraone points out, "Those that don't want to sell BC etc. are the same people that are anti-choice. Bit of a conundrum."
And here's something -- sopal1953 writes, "They've discussed this being OTC, but held behind the counter, ID with age over 18, and some were suggesting that the first dose be taken immediately at the counter (to assure that it is not given to someone else)." Uh, what? Isn't taking your Plan B pill kind of a weird and private moment? "The same 'logic' could be used for buying alcohol to make sure it's not being purchased for the underaged. ;)" says cl-libraone.
I can see it now: scared 18-year-olds swallow Plan B pills in the pharmacy while groups of 21-year-olds chug Bacardi Breezers in the liquor section. Lovely.
Anyway, what do you think? Over-the-counter Plan B: boon to womankind, or encourager of promiscuity? Join the conversation.
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