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Plan B, a Big Mistake

by Maurine Proctor Posted Jul 20, 2007

Plan B, emergency contraception, is now finding its way to pharmacy shelves across the country. After a long struggle the FDA caved into pressure from the pharmaceutical industry and Plan B proponents and in August approved the over the counter sale of Plan B for individuals 18 years and older. For females 17 years old and younger Plan B is available only with a prescription. Prior to the FDA's approval of Plan B's "dual status," 43 states had laws preventing Plan B from being sold over the counter. Why? Perhaps it was because birth control pills require a prescription and Plan B has upwards of 15 times more progesterone than some birth control pills.  When asked about the FDA's decision, a physician replied "it makes no sense that birth control pills require a prescription and Plan B does not.  Plan B is a serious, hormonal medication intended to prevent pregnancy before or after conception, not a common medication to relieve a cold or headache." 
Health Risks
1. Dispensing Plan B without a prescription gives the public the false impression that it is a low risk medication.
2. Dispensing any medication without a prescription increases the risk of overdose and misuse.
3. Although the FDA approved Plan B six years ago, the health risks of repeated use are still unknown.
4. The health risks of Plan B to the fetus that survives are still unknown.

Moral Concerns
Easy access to Plan B has serious moral implications for society.  Although minors cannot purchase Plan B over the counter, surely minors will have greater access to Plan B by those old enough to purchase it on their behalf.  Victims of rape and incest are extremely vulnerable to being forced by their attackers to take Plan B against their will. For those who believe life begins at conception, Plan B could be viewed as a form of abortion since Plan B works by preventing pregnancy before and after conception.  And ultimately easy access to emergency contraception certainly does not help to prevent risky sexual behavior. Plan B may prevent pregnancy, but it certainly does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

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