Court Allows Over-the-Counter Sale of Some Emergency Contraception to All Ages

Update: Single-Pill Emergency Contraception Now Available to All Age-Groups Without Prescription

pharmacyA United States appeals court has declared that some forms of emergency contraception, specifically the 2-pill versions, be made available over-the-counter without age restrictions.

In April 2013, the Food and Drug Administration appealed a decision by district court judge Edward Korman that made all 1-pill and 2-pill versions of the drug available without age or sale restrictions.

In response to this appeal, Korman delayed the enforcement of his ruling, pending the decision from the appeals court.

On June 5, 2013, a 3-judge panel denied the appeal from the FDA in regard to the 2-pill contraception, stating they had “failed to meet the requisite standard" for appeal, lifting the delay of Korman’s ruling for the drugs.

Suspension of the unrestricted sale of 1-pill versions of emergency contraception, such as Plan B One-Step, will continue while the appeal is ongoing.

­–Michael Potts

Reference

Stempel J. UPDATE 1-U.S. sale of some 'morning-after' pills to all ages allowed. Reuters. http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/06/05/usa-planb-idINL1N0EH1PG20130605. Published June 6, 2013.  Accessed June 6, 2013.