On June 20, 2013, the Food and Drug Administration approved Plan B One-Step emergency contraceptive for use without a prescription for all women of child-bearing potential. This announcement follows an April 2013 ruling by a United States District Court judge in New York. The judge's ruling essentially makes Plan B One-Step available over the counter without age or point-of-sale restrictions.
Plan B One-Step was first approved in July 2009 for use without a prescription for women 17 years of age and older. This new court ruling will allow for the sale of Plan B One-Step without age restrictions.
Plan B One-Step helps prevent pregnancy if it is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex or birth control failure. However, the sooner you take it, the better it works. It is also important to keep in mind that Plan B One-Step and other emergency contraceptives do not provide protection against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
There are generic one-pill and two-pill options available as well, but these generics are still only available behind the pharmacy counter. You will need to be at least 17 to buy these without a prescription and be prepared to show ID at the time of purchase. Plan B One-Step is the only FDA-approved emergency contraceptive available over the counter.
Source:
FDA Press Announcement June 20, 2013
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