“In light of the recent U.S. District Judge’s ruling on Plan B (emergency contraception), I am pleased to hear that emergency contraception will be sold over-the-counter, have no age restrictions, and not require a prescription for women that are under the age of 17. This court ruling makes emergency contraception more readily available for young women, which will prevent unintended pregnancies, and therefore, will reduce the number of abortions.”

Background: On April 5, 2013, a U.S. District Judge ordered the Food and Drug Administration to allow emergency contraception, such as Plan B, to be sold over-the-counter and be made available to all girls of reproductive age, without requiring a prescription for those under the age of 17. The U.S. District Judge ordered the FDA to lift the age restrictions within 30 days. Currently, women that are under the age of 17 require a prescription to obtain emergency contraception. Further, while women 17 and older don’t need a prescription, emergency contraception is currently available only behind the pharmacy counter and requires an I.D.