New York Women See 2 Sides of Prescription-Free Morning-After Pill

According to the New York Times, the morning - after pill or Plan B has now become available to buy it at any pharmacy without a prescription for women 18 and older. Making this pill simple to get has some women breathing a little easier, while other are worried that this might increase sexual behavior. Women now have the choice of taking a pill that can lower the risk of pregnancy by up to 89 percent. Plan B does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Barr Pharmaceutical Company has said it hopes to begin nonprescription sales of Plan B by the end of the year. The pills will be sold only from behind the counter at pharmacies, but not at convenience stores or gas stations. There isn't enough scientific evidence that young teens can safely use Plan B without a doctor's supervision, but Barr did prove that over-the-counter use is safe for older teens and adults. The morning after pill has been available by prescription since 1999 with many people having to pay around $300 for a visit to their local doctor in order to get the drug. Now the Barr Pharmaceutical Company, the maker of Plan B, has made the pill available to women at $20 to $40 a pack. Is it in a woman’s self interest to take the pill? Are there more unintended effects of taking the pill than just the possibility in the amount of sexual activity?