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The FDA ruled today that women can obtain emergency contraception, sometimes called "the morning after pill" or Plan B, without a prescription. But only if they're 18 or older.
Jessica Valenti at Bush v. Choice says this is a "victory for women, not so much for teens."
However, in spite of this, she remains determinedly optimistic about the FDA ruling:
"Lets remember that the drug has been proven safe for women of all ages, and that it's young women who need easy [access] to EC the most. But, enough with the negativity—we finally got an answer, and that's something to be super happy about."
Media Girl takes a more cynical view, suggesting the timing has everything to do with elections in "GOP getting re-elected, plan b(?): Approve Plan B":
"The FDA has shocked me. After stonewalling their own doctors and scientists, the politicians in the agency have decided to act rationally, perhaps as a ploy to help the Republicans you've seen frothing at the mouth over the past two years whenever they talk about sex to seem more reasonable."
After giving her analysis of the attitudes to sex that block women's access to contraceptives, Media Girl reminds readers:
"This could reduce the number of aborted pregnancies significantly. That should be good news for everybody."
Over at community blog Culture Kitchen, whose motto is "Daily servings of political dissent", Lorraine writes:
"The FDA got it half-right this morning. Plan B contraception has been cleared for over the counter dispensation, but only if you are over the age of 18. Younger than 18? You're shit outta luck, unless you're willing to go to the doctor's office and get a prescription yourself. How you're supposed to do that without your parent's knowledge, since I'm assuming they'll get the insurance bills, is beyond me. If you're lucky, there will be a Planned Parenthood office in your town. But again, that will require luck."
"So, here's the deal. I am making a pledge, which I fully intend to keep. If you need Plan B contraception, and you contact me, I will go to my local pharmacy and get it for you. Your parents don't have to know."
Read her whole article, "Come to Me for Plan B", at Culture Kitchen.
Image credit: Bush v. Choice
BlogHer Contributing Editor Melinda Casino also writes at Sour Duck.
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