Medical community commends court ruling to make Plan B One-Step available as OTC to women under 17

WASHINGTON — The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine Friday morning commended a U.S. District Court ruling that expands over-the-counter access of Plan B One-Step to women under the age of 17. "This decision reflects the overwhelming evidence that emergency contraception is safe and effective for all women of reproductive age," the medical associations stated as part of a joint statement. 

“While pediatricians recommend that teens delay sexual activity until they fully understand its consequences, we strongly encourage the use of contraception—including emergency contraception—to protect the health of our adolescent patients who are sexually active," commented AAP president Thomas McInerny. 

“Removing the age restriction is a positive step forward, but providers must continue efforts to educate adolescents about the proper use of emergency contraception," added SAHM president Debra Katzman. "We must also work to ensure that emergency contraception is affordable for adolescents of limited means.”

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