Pediatricians to Prescribe Morning-After Pill in Advance

New decision called "significant"

The nation's pediatricians have been asked to make advance prescriptions for emergency contraception available to girls under 17. Current federal policy bans over-the-counter sales of the pills to girls under 17, so the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes having a prescription on hand could help the young teens obtain emergency contraception more quickly than if they have to contact a physician, especially after they need it. The current prohibition of the "morning-after pill" means that all women must present proof of age, and that teenagers "face a significant barrier if they suddenly need emergency contraception at midnight on a Saturday," said Susan Wood, former assistant commissioner for women's health at the Food and Drug Administration. She calls the new AAP decision "significant."  (Reuters)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]