News Alert: HHS Secretary overrules FDA's decision to relax Plan B restrictions

	Wednesday, December 7, 2011 12:59:46 PM NEWS ALERT HHS Secretary overrules FDA's decision to relax Plan B restrictions Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius has overruled the FDA's assessment that controversial emergency contraceptive PlanB should be available without restrictions. This means the 'morning-after pill' will continue to be sold over-the-counter for women 17 and older but only by prescription for girls under 17. The drug has long been controversial and was the focus of one of the biggest health disputes during the administration of President George W. Bush. Critics, however, focus on the chance that Plan B may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the womb, an action they consider equivalent to an abortion. As a result, it has been the subject of intense debate and conflict. Some doctors refuse to write prescriptions for it, some pharmacists refuse to fill requests, and some hospitals refuse to provide it to patients. Read more at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/2011/12/07/gIQAF5HicO_story.html Or visit washingtonpost.com. SEND TO A FRIEND UNSUBSCRIBE E-MAIL CENTER GET HELP Washington Post Digital E-mail Customer Care 1150 15th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20071 ©2011 The Washington Post Privacy Policy