Morning-After Pill Restricted for Young Teens

Citing a lack of studies about the safety of the morning-after pill, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reversed the Food and Drug Administration’s plan to allow the morning-after pill to be sold without a prescription to girls under age 17.

In a surprise decision Dec. 7 that pleased many women’s health advocates, Sebelius wrote in a memo to the FDA that it is commonly understood that there are “significant cognitive and behavioral differences between older adolescent girls and the youngest girls of reproductive age.”

She also said that the tests of the drug submitted to the FDA “do not include data on all ages for which the drug would be approved,” adding that girls as young as 11 years old would be sold the drug over the counter. She noted in her memo that 10 percent of women reach reproductive age by 11.

Obama Cites Common Sense

President Barack Obama backed Sebelius’ decision, saying that it is important that “we apply some common sense to various rules when it comes to over-the-counter medicine.” Obama, who has two daughters age 10 and 13, said he understood the reasoning that Sebelius couldn't be confident that a 10- or 11-year-old wouldn't be able to buy the drug “alongside bubble gum or batteries.”

The morning-after pill, which is also called Plan B, is taken after intercourse and contains a very high dose of the hormone progestin, found in many birth control pills. Critics call the amount of hormone an overdose of the drug, and point to its dosage as a possible cause of its side effects, which include cramping, heavy bleeding and fatigue.

Women in La Grange, La Grange Park, Brookfield, Lyons, Countryside, Western Springs, Westchester, Hinsdale, Berwyn and nearby cities who think they might be pregnant and who are considering the morning-after pill should call Women’s Care Center of La Grange, at 708-352-5000 for a free pregnancy test and more information. Or go to www.pregnancychoices4me.com. The center is located at 47 S. Sixth Ave., Suite I, La Grange, IL.

If you are looking for compassionate care from an experienced team who will take the time to answer all your questions, you’ve come to the right place - Women's Care Center of La Grange, IL. Your health, safety and well being are our greatest concern.

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