The government is considering allowing over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill, but only to women 18 and older. The surprise move Monday revives efforts to widen access to the emergency contraceptive almost a year after it was thought doomed.

The Food and Drug Administration notified manufacturer Barr Laboratories Inc. early Monday that it wanted to meet within seven days to iron out new steps the company must take in its three-year battle to sell the pill, called Plan B, without a prescription to at least some women.

Women's groups say over-the-counter sales could reduce the number of abortions because more women would be able to get the pills in time without going through the hurdles of getting a prescription. (my emphasis)

Barr had sought to sell Plan B over the counter to females age 16 and older, but FDA officials felt evidence was lacking that younger women could take the pills safely and now believe 18 is the appropriate age for non-prescription sales, the FDA official said.

Posted by Ryan S. on Monday, July 31, 2006 at 1:12 PM | Permalink |