The Plan B for Plan B: The New Dual Over-the-Counter and Prescription Status of Plan B and Its Impact upon Pharmacists, Consumers, and Conscience Clauses

Authors

• Brittany L. Grimes, University of Georgia School of Law

Publication Date

2007

Abstract

On August 24,2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration decided to approve Plan B, the "morning-after"contraceptive pill, as an over-the-counter drug for women ages eighteen and older only. Individuals aged seventeen years and younger must still obtain a prescription in order to purchase Plan B, resulting in confusion and complications in implementing the age limitation. Additionally, the dual status of Plan B as both a prescription and over-the-counter drug might still be undermined by pharmacists choosing to refuse sale of contraceptives under various state protective conscience clauses. This Note explores the impact of the FDA's novel decision to create a split-status drug. The political history leading to the decision will be reviewed, followed by an analysis of both the effect of the age division and the implications upon state pharmaceutical conscience clauses.

Recommended Citation

Grimes, Brittany L. (2007) "The Plan B for Plan B: The New Dual Over-the-Counter and Prescription Status of Plan B and Its Impact upon Pharmacists, Consumers, and Conscience Clauses," Georgia Law Review: Vol. 41: No. 4, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/glr/vol41/iss4/8