The federal government has lifted the barrier for customers to buy the “morning-after” contraceptive pill without a prescription, as health professionals agree a more timely access can increase the drug’s effectiveness.
On Thursday, August 24, the Food and Drug Administration said women age 18 and older will be able to buy the pill over-the-counter without first having to see a doctor. Girls age 17 and younger will still need a prescription. This is the first case when a dual-status product will be available in the United States.
“I think the decision is overdue,” said James Boyle, administrator at The University of Tennessee’s Student Health Service. “I think it has been a deterrent to students not having it available over-the-counter.”
The pill, offered under the brand name Plan B by Barr Pharmaceuticals, was previously available only with a doctor’s prescription as health practitioners were debating over its safety ...