FDA urges sale of new ‘morning-after’ pill

WASHINGTON — Federal government advisers have recommended approval for over-the-counter sales of a “morning-after” pill that pro-life advocates contend can cause abortion.

Two advisory committees, meeting jointly, urged the Food and Drug Administration in a 23–4 vote Dec. 16 to endorse sale of the Plan B emergency contraceptive without a prescription. The FDA has targeted February for a decision on the panels’ recommendation, The Washington Times reported. While the FDA is not required to endorse its panels’ recommendations, it normally does.

Plan B now is approved for purchase with a prescription, but supporters of over-the-counter sales argue the method’s value is limited by the need to obtain it quickly when sexual intercourse has occurred without the use of another form of contraception. Plan B is recommended for use in the first 72 hours after intercourse, but it is even more effective in the first 24 hours.

Plan B works by restricting ovulation in a woman, and supporters argue it will prevent unplanned pregnancies and abortion. Opponents, however, say the method also can work after conception, blocking implantation of a tiny embryo in the uterine wall. In such a case, an abortion occurs, pro-lifers point out.