FDA Approves Single Dose Emergency Contraception
Preventing pregnancy through emergency contraception just got a bit easier. Today, the FDA approved Plan B® One-Step, a one-dose emergency contraception pill. Thanks to a court ruling a few months ago, the drug will be available over-the-counter to women age 17 and older, although women younger than 17 will still require a prescription. The pill will hit pharmacy shelves within the next month.
In a release, National Institute President Kelli Conlin applauded the decision: “This is a great day for women’s reproductive health. With Plan B® One-Step, women can now take steps to prevent unintended pregnancy with just one pill in one dose.”
Conlin added that “it is critical that women have fast, easy access to this back up method of birth control.” Over-the-counter access for all women and greater public knowledge about EC would help ensure that every woman can take advantage of this convenient back-up birth control method when the unexpected happens.
By Maya Dusenbery