Over-the-Counter Plan B Approved for Teens 15 and Older—Your Thoughts?

Teen girls as young as 15 will be able to purchase the oral contraceptive Plan B over-the-counter, the Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday.

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is an emergency contraceptive taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. It is currently available without a prescription to girls and women who are 17 or older.

Do you support Plan B becoming more readily available to younger teens? Tell us in the comments section.

At the Rite Aid pharmacy in Redmond's Bear Creek Village, Plan B is available behind the pharmacy counter, said pharmacy technician Chantel Chadd, who was already aware of the age change.

Plan B, along with generic versions, is kept behind the counter because of the cost, the ID requirement and for drug counseling purposes, she said. Plan B costs $49.99, while two generic versions run $39.99 and $44.99, she said.

Last month, a federal judge ruled the morning-after pill should be available over-the-counter—and on regular store shelves. However, Plan B manufacturer Teva had already applied to market the drug to people 15 and older, and the FDA "took independent action" this week in approving the application, according to a news release from the agency.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) issued a statement Tuesday applauding the change.

“This decision is a step in the right direction for increased access to a product that is a safe and effective method of preventing unintended pregnancies. It’s also a decision that moves us closer to these critical availability decisions being based on science, not politics," she said. "Plan B is an essential part of a woman’s basic health care and I will continue to push for more information from FDA and HHS on the practical application of this policy while also working to ensure that access is based on science, safety, and efficacy.”