Women's groups decry appeal on morning-after pill

This undated image made available by Teva Women's Health shows the packaging for their Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) tablet, one of the brands known as the "morning-after pill." The Plan B morning-after pill is moving over-the-counter, a decision announced by the Food and Drug Administration just days before a court-imposed deadline. On April 30, 2013, the FDA lowered to 15 the age at which girls and women can buy the emergency contraceptive without a prescription ? and said it no longer has to be kept behind pharmacy counters. Instead, the pill can sit on drugstore shelves just like condoms, but that buyers would have to prove their age at the cash register. (AP Photo/Teva Women's Health)

This undated image made available by Teva Women's Health shows the packaging for their Plan B One-Step (levonorgestrel) tablet, one of the brands known as the "morning-after pill." The Plan B morning-after pill is moving over-the-counter, a decision announced by the Food and Drug Administration just days before a court-imposed deadline. On April 30, 2013, the FDA lowered to 15 the age at which girls and women can buy the emergency contraceptive without a prescription ? and said it no longer has to be kept behind pharmacy counters. Instead, the pill can sit on drugstore shelves just like condoms, but that buyers would have to prove their age at the cash register. (AP Photo/Teva Women's Health)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Obama administration's decision to appeal a court order lifting age limits on purchasers of the morning-after pill is prompting criticism from reproductive rights groups, who say it is politically motivated and a step backward for women's health.

One group says the appeal removes the promise of all women having timely access to emergency contraception.

The Justice Department on Wednesday appealed a federal judge's order that would allow girls and women of any age to purchase the "Plan B" pill and its generic competition as easily as buying aspirin.

The department said the judge exceeded his authority.

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday had lowered to 15 the age at which people can buy Plan B without a prescription and said the pill could be sold on drugstore shelves.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2013-05-02-Morning-After%20Pill/id-4e847f880bf741e79984a2d01dc095cc

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