Obama's Plan B: Emergency Contraception Available to Women of All Ages!

From young to old, emergency contraceptives are now available, prescription-free, for women of all ages.


Women's rights groups have a reason to celebrate: One of their longest and most fought women's health battles has come to an end. In a surprise turn of events yesterday, the Obama administration reversed its previous stance on restrictions of the sale of emergency contraceptives — commonly known to most as Plan B. Now, women of any age are able to purchase the drug without a prescription, or even an ID.

The government's change of heart comes following a ruling made by a New York U.S. District Judge, Edward Korman, this past fall, as well as a delay from the FDA to provide evidence that the $50 drug could be harmful to girls younger than a certain age.

As expected, this decision is a not completely celebrated one. Social conservatives scorn the ruling, claiming that such free access to Plan B prevents parents from having a say in their young daughter's access to emergency contraceptives. Regardless of the doubts of such groups, the fight is over, and now, the FDA has requested a new label so that Plan B is available, prescription free, for everyone.

Diana Pearl
Editor

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.