The government is in the midst of one of the most heated reproductive de- bates. After being un able to reach a legislative decision as to whether or not emergency contraception, commonly referred to as Plan B, should be made available over the counter (OTC), both the public as well as notable politicians are voicing their concerns and frustration.
Plan B is a synthetic progestin called levonorgestrel that works in two ways. According to the NIH, the progestin inhibits ovulation or prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Furthermore, progestins maintain the viscosity of the cervical mucus, making the passage of sperm very difficult.
The pill, which is reportedly the most effective within 72 hours of unprotected sex, is taken in two doses, 12 hours apart.
However, according to Planned Parenthood, the pills can be taken and may still be effective for up to 120 hours after unprotected sex.
For women whose alternative birth control methods fail, are sexually assaulted or choose to have unprotected sex, Plan B is a safe, effective way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
Of course, Plan B sounds terrific. Women nationally embraced the small pills as a new means of freedom from any unwanted worry.
However, access has been limited to a doctor's prescription. In an attempt to allow emergency contraception options to be made available for all socioeconomic levels nationally, there has been a push to make the pills OTC.
However, the debate to make emergency contraception available OTC has been countered by broad debates over teenage sexual activity, abortions, promiscuity and sexually transmitted diseases.
Today, scientific data and literature reviews of the pills have demonstrated that Plan B should be approved according to FDA standards. The New England Journal of Medicine cited that, "All involved acknowledge that Plan B is extraordinarily safe." Despite scientific evidence that the drug was safe, the proposal was still rejected in May 2004 over concerns that the drug would not be safe for teenagers.
On Sept. 25, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a statement that clearly supported the use of Plan B as a "safe and effective" method for emergency contraceptive use among adolescents. The AAP intends to educate young women both with abstinence and sexual education in order to most effectively prevent pregnancies.
Dear FDA: If you choose to ignore all the literature laid out by credible research and deny women Plan B on the basis of "moral and personal values," you are doing the nation's women a great disfavor.
