Issues Index

The Emergency Contraception Debate
The use of emergency contraception is an ongoing debate in the United States. Emergency contraception (EC), or Plan B One-Step, continues to cause controversy among both Pro-Life advocates and Pro-Choice groups. It continues to be a highly emotional and controversial issue. Part of the debate stems from people confusing emergency Contraception (Plan B) with the Abortion Pill (RU486).

Who Can Buy Plan B One Step (the new Plan B)?
Plan B is a brand of progestin-only pills approved by the FDA specifically for emergency contraception (EC). Since 2006, those 18 or older can buy Plan B over the counter at local pharmacies. Females under the age of 18 must obtain a prescription for Plan B from their doctor. As of September 2009, 17-year-olds could now buy Plan B OTC without a prescription. But - the product is NOW called Plan B One-Step (there is no more Plan B). Why is there such confusion, and what is the status of this EC?