Restrictions on Plan B

Contributor: Cherrylane Cherrylane 12/07/2011

Today the Health and Human Services department overruled a decision by the FDA to make Plan B, "the morning after pill," available to anyone without an age restriction. According to the FDA, the drug had proven itself as extremely safe and effective.

An official for the Obama administration cited worries over 11 year olds misusing it as one of their concerns.

Although I'm not at all "surprised" that the restrictions for this drug weren't eased given the political culture around sex in this country, it still bothers me. I find the reasoning entirely suspect and even unethical. It's a safe drug. It's an effective drug. I could go and get two a day if I wanted to, whether I needed it or not. Why is it fair to make the judgement that a younger person is not free to use it in the same way, particularly when it is safe? Especially considering that people deemed old enough to use it without a prescription are also more mature, generally more able to have other resources available to them etc. IF an 11 year old felt they needed this drug, why should it be any more difficult for them to get? I would rather it be available to them and not to me, and have the government tell me that I, being an adult, should "know better" or something (still a bs argument, but I think it'd be better than making it more difficult for a child to get the help they need in any regard).

Just my personal opinion there, disagreement is welcome. Wondering what you all think of it

Invited: All users.

Discussion Topics

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Contributor: Cherrylane Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
169  (74%)
25  (11%)
27  (12%)
6  (3%)
Total votes: 227
Poll is open
12/07/2011
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Contributor: AngelvMaynard AngelvMaynard
I have a question. Are we talking about making Plan B an over the counter drug or are we talking about Plan B being available without age restriction as a prescription? I need to google it I suppose.

I however, do not believe that an 11 year old, or anyone under 18 should be able to get to this kind of drug without supervision and monitoring. While the drug may be safe, it does have side effects after taking it such as nausea and severe cramping, irregular bleeding etc.. I've held a few of my friends hands while they have taken it and have seen it first hand. I think a child that may need the drug should have someone to supervise the intake. Such symptoms as the ones I mentioned need to be monitored and if nothing else, ease the kids mind that what they are experiencing is normal. I'm all for free distribution of condoms to protect kids. But I think anything that you ingest into your body should be monitored. It only takes one kid to have severe reactions or unexpected symptoms for it to be pulled.

You can't even get the strongest doses of over the counter Mucinex without signing and getting a waiver from the pharmacy. I'm ok with lifting the age restriction if it is safe, but not the free flow of it to minors without consent and monitoring.
12/07/2011
Contributor: MeliPixie MeliPixie
Plan B is a dosage for full-grown women. However, since younger and younger kids are having sex (and unfortunately, getting raped), some form of it should be available to them. I also think condoms should come in a smaller size for younger guys, simply because not having a well-fitting condom isn't stopping them from having sex and getting girls pregnant or spreading disease.
12/07/2011
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
For under 18's, it should still be available but only with a prescription. That way there would be an adult involved who could oversee any potential problems. For over 18-year-olds I'd like to see them launch a campaign to educate the public on its usage and make this an over the counter drug. I'm sure it's not something that people would ever want to take as a recreational thing, so why not?
12/07/2011
Contributor: voenne voenne
If a minor is responsible enough to go out and try to get Plan B to prevent pregnancy, then yes. Not condoning unprotected sex for minors, but in the cases of accidents if they are sexually active or have been raped, it should be. If not over the counter, then having a guardian with them to purchase it.
12/07/2011
Contributor: Chirple Chirple
I agree with AngelvMaynard.

I hate to support nanny policies, but I would hate to see an 11-year-old misuse, abuse, or incorrectly use this with bad results.

They should be able to go to a free clinic for help without fear of judgment or parents being told.

I wish I could trust the police force enough to say that a child should be able to request it there.

There should be SOME kind of program, something. They should at least have a list of helpful questions to verify that an extremely young person even NEEDS (I've known plenty of kids not knowing how exactly pregnancy works or thinking silly things can get them pregnant or whatever) or could benefit from it before selling it to them.
12/08/2011
Contributor: Errant Venture Errant Venture
Quote:
Originally posted by AngelvMaynard
I have a question. Are we talking about making Plan B an over the counter drug or are we talking about Plan B being available without age restriction as a prescription? I need to google it I suppose.

I however, do not believe that an 11 year ... more
This is the main thing I worry about. I also worry that, if they think they're safe just by using the Pill, then they won't bother with condoms. I feel that it should be done on prescription simply because their doctor would (hopefully) explain these things to them in detail.
12/09/2011
Contributor: Ms. Spice Ms. Spice
I would rather that 11 year olds have availablity to Plan B, which is actually safe, then having them carry a baby to full term, which studies have repeatedly shown is incredibly dangerous to the health of the both the mother and fetus.

And let's be real here. Yes, if it was accessible to 11 year olds, then some would buy it. Let's get real though. I think the majority of customers would be 15+ year old girls. I think they would realize that it would not become a primary form of birth control because it is so expensive. Kids aren't stupid, and they will learn to use condoms if they are taught to use them! So many kids go without anyway because they don't have access to them or they're taught that they're ineffective.

So, I would rather have teenagers have access to Plan B, so that they can make responsible decisions about their future and their bodies, then have a bunch of pregnant girls who didn't have an option.
12/09/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
If I remember correctly, the issue is whether Plan B should be available OTC for minors. The FDA determined that the drug was safe enough to be OTC, Secretary Sebelius (Health and Human Services of which FDA falls under) over ruled the decision. Basically, while the FDA felt the drug was safe, there are some potentially serious side effects that a minor might not understand because they didn't know to read the label completely. So I think it is available to a minor with a prescription and to adults behind the counter. Please correct me if I am remembering this incorrectly.
12/09/2011
Contributor: Envy Envy
Make it available. Growing up i had a friend whom had to hide an accidental pregnancy from her father. I think Plan B, she got it too late and had to abort, and when her dad found out he exploded and broke her nose. Needless to say, she ran away from home.

I think it should be OTC and when buying it maybe make sure a pharmacist (have it at places like Walgreens and CVS only) can give a quick consultation to make sure it's used correctly.
12/09/2011
Contributor: SiNn SiNn
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
not at all
12/10/2011
Contributor: namelesschaos namelesschaos
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
If I remember correctly, the issue is whether Plan B should be available OTC for minors. The FDA determined that the drug was safe enough to be OTC, Secretary Sebelius (Health and Human Services of which FDA falls under) over ruled the decision. ... more
"serious side effects that a minor might not understand because they didn't know to read the label completely."

Close but not quite, the FDA found that minors as a whole understood the instructions just fine, it part of how they determined it was safe in the first place, the offical explanation is basically we don't have any studies on the youngest minors, specifically. Or in layman's terms we don't have enough studies on the specifically on the 10 and 11 year olds that are having sex. Really, here the link to Secretary Sebelius letter: link
12/10/2011
Contributor: Sinfully Sinfully
I def think it should be available to everyone. Much better than bringing an unwanted baby into the world.
12/11/2011
Contributor: T&A1987 T&A1987
i don't think this is so much a case of respecting people's bodies, as minor's bodies. we require parental permission for tattoos, piercings, consumption of alcohol and tobacco, viewing graphic content and in many states don't find that people can legally consent until age 18 (although it varies). Considering this, we clearly don't trust minors with their own bodies, why should plan B be any different? This might get framed as a reproductive rights issue, but I think it's closer to a parental rights issue.
12/11/2011
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
If a child that young need birth prevention then I think SOMEONE should be paying attention and asking some questions.
12/11/2011
Contributor: Rarity Rarity
It would be incredibly helpful for emergency contraception to be sold over the counter to those under seventeen. Some young people aren't able to obtain it for reasons such as being unable to go to a clinic or a doctor for a prescription. If it were sold at their local pharmacy, I'm sure it would help some.
12/11/2011
Contributor: jedent jedent
available. always.
12/11/2011
Contributor: Angelica Angelica
Available. It would be especially beneficial to have it available otc AND have the education in the school systems that would promote healthy sexuality and knowledge.
12/11/2011
Contributor: FemmeFlo FemmeFlo
It really needs to be available. Denying safe sex supplies to teens isn't going to stop them from having sex, so let's just make sure that they're going to be safe if they're doing it anyways.
12/11/2011
Contributor: Collogue Collogue
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I think it could be dangerous if available to younger people without a prescription, but if you're desperate...
12/13/2011
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
There's a difference between it being available to teenagers and being available to 11 year olds. When I remember all the stupid things I believed about sex at that age - good grief. I wasn't even menstruating yet, and I was convinced that I could get pregnant if I slept in the same bed with my brother, because we'd be "sleeping together". Maybe 15 or 16 and up. But 11? No way. And regardless, it should be behind the counter so the pharmacist can tell the patient what to expect.
12/26/2011
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
I'm not so sure about 11 or under because they might not actually be having sex but think they could get pregnant from touching, oral etc.
12/26/2011
Contributor: namelesschaos namelesschaos
Quote:
Originally posted by T&A1987
i don't think this is so much a case of respecting people's bodies, as minor's bodies. we require parental permission for tattoos, piercings, consumption of alcohol and tobacco, viewing graphic content and in many states don't find ... more
Actually, I say it is neither, this is about putting politics over science. It is NOT the job Secretary Sebelius to protect your "parental rights" . Anyone supporting these restricts on those grounds (including Obama) is in affect admitting she over step her bounds. If you feel that this violates your parental rights then the solution is too restrict it via the legislative process, not via an unprecedented overruling of the FDA.

Forget reproductive rights, what scares me the most is the precedent this sets for everything. I do not want the catholic church deciding matters of science, I do want any non-scientific body deciding that. Yet, Sebelius and Obama have just given then an unprecedented win. This should scare anyone who believe health decisions should be be based on science and evidence not politics.
12/26/2011
Contributor: Rawhide Rawhide
I think it should be available. The drug itself is far less harmful to children than an unplanned pregnancy.
01/02/2012
Contributor: Mihoshi4301 Mihoshi4301
I don't know if I'd be comfortable with kids as young as 11 being able to get it, but I really don't think minors would use it as much as most people fear if it was available to minors.
01/02/2012
Contributor: geliebt geliebt
It should absolutely be available. This is a safe and effective drug, and it SHOULD be available to anyone who needs it with little restriction.
01/03/2012
Contributor: Entropy Entropy
A safe and TESTED method of emergency contraception should be available to teenagers. Problem is, I doubt that Plan B has ever been tested on that age group.
01/30/2012
Contributor: Ahatmadeofshoes12 Ahatmadeofshoes12
What I think disappoints me most about this is that Obama, who I generally agree with and have a lot of respect for supported this measure. He has daughters, does he not understand that if one of them were raped they would absolutely want to have access to a save method of contraception?
02/06/2012
Contributor: Mia Fey Mia Fey
Should be available to all, which many people do not openly include those who have female reproductive organs but do not always fit that social norm. They should also be able to waltz in and buy it as needed. As for young women/girls, this needs to be available so that they can take action should they be raped or their contraceptives fail (because it does happen and my sibling is proof). An over the counter Plan B would erase the problems of places where families or medical facilities will not give permission/written prescription or it is difficult to meet with a doctor on such short notice. This drug is safer than most other drugs on shelves now, so even a risk of overdose of Plan B is much safer than say Tylenol or other toxic pharmaceuticals.
02/08/2012
Contributor: Nkev Nkev
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
They're minors.... I don't feel they have the right to make that decision at least not without parental consent/concern some sort of interference.
02/11/2012
Contributor: MissCandyland MissCandyland
I think maybe 16+ would be better.
02/12/2012
Contributor: Undead Undead
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I think it all depends on the situation at hand.
02/12/2012
Contributor: thebest thebest
Yes it should be available
02/15/2012
Contributor: Teacookie Teacookie
children shouldn't be having children and should be aviable with out adults premission. it endangers the life of both children if a kid becomes pregnate. besides they are not equiped to care for a baby and no I don't think their family should butt in, not their place to manipulate.
02/16/2012
Contributor: Teacookie Teacookie
Quote:
Originally posted by Nkev
They're minors.... I don't feel they have the right to make that decision at least not without parental consent/concern some sort of interference.
they didn't need the parental consent to have sex so why should they need it for the consequences.
02/16/2012
Contributor: oneeyedoctopus oneeyedoctopus
Minors can't make their own medical decisions.

Also just because a drug is safe and effective for an adult woman doesn't mean it is safe for an adolescent. I doubt there has been much testing for 11 year olds.
03/02/2012
Contributor: destinationtwilight destinationtwilight
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I'm not sure how I feel about this one.
03/07/2012
Contributor: calliope calliope
Yes explained in one word RAPE.
03/08/2012
Contributor: Beck Beck
Quote:
Originally posted by calliope
Yes explained in one word RAPE.
I am going to have to agree with this. While I will have to say that an 11 year old may not fully understand what will go on if they take Plan B it should be made available to everyone without judgement at the counter. Yes, minors can't really make their own medical decision's but you really can't say that only with parental consent they can have this pill because it could be forced upon them by their abuser, which could be their parent. This would hide the evidence and all the abuser would have to do at the counter is act as if their child was irresponsible, when in fact this is what they were told to do. Children should be educated on this product and taught to come to someone that can help them, but they do have the option to do it themselves as well.

Maybe there should be a clause that if a child that young comes looking for the pill that the proper authorities are called and notified to make sure there is no abuse going on.
03/12/2012
Contributor: badk1tty badk1tty
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
Yes, let's take this away from 11 year old's, please. Then we'll have a lot of knocked up pre-teens instead. FML
04/08/2012
Contributor: BeepBop BeepBop
Quote:
Originally posted by AngelvMaynard
I have a question. Are we talking about making Plan B an over the counter drug or are we talking about Plan B being available without age restriction as a prescription? I need to google it I suppose.

I however, do not believe that an 11 year ... more
I just thought I'd let you know that I think this is an excellent response, and I agree whole-heartedly.
04/19/2012
Contributor: catastic catastic
Plan B is still safer than Tylenol. The issue with making it more difficult for minors is that in worst case scenarios (rape, assault, etc.) that they might not be able to talk to their family (family members are the one hurting them, won't be believed) and won't be able to get Plan B if needed.
05/04/2012
Contributor: LavenderSkies LavenderSkies
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
Yes, it absolutely should be distributed to minors.
06/03/2012
Contributor: Checkmate Checkmate
I really don't have a problem with 16 year olds, and maybe even 14 year olds being able to get Plan B,,but 11 year olds??
06/03/2012
Contributor: gsfanatic gsfanatic
It comes down to whether it'd have negative effects on a minor. There's probably not a lot of research that can be done, and it could end up having nasty side effects that would leave permanent scars on a minor
06/04/2012
Contributor: sweetiejo sweetiejo
There probably hasn't been any research done on the effects of a growing body. I took plan B at age 16 and it was horrible. I was sick for days from the pill and it caused me to be in immense pain. I later told my doctor about it and he said the pill can cause problem who have endomytriosis, which not many teens know they have that nor do they know the problems it can cause with it. I think a doctor should make the call on a girl getting it, even if it a doctor from a place like planned parent hood for low income families, but for any girl to be able to get I can't see it being justified.
06/04/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by gsfanatic
It comes down to whether it'd have negative effects on a minor. There's probably not a lot of research that can be done, and it could end up having nasty side effects that would leave permanent scars on a minor
There has been BOAT LOADS of research been done on this drug, on women of ALL ages. It does NOT leave "nasty scars" or any other permanent effects.

It's just progesterone!!!! Women make enough of this while they are Ecologically Breastfeeding to set up their bodies as if they WERE taking Plan B every day. Women make enough of this hormone to equal a dose of Plan B daily during certain parts of the normal menstural cycle ! YOUR BODY MAKES IT! If you're a woman, your body makes progesterone, and it doesn't have side effects.

It isn't dangerous, it doesn't have "negative effects" on minor, or anyone else.

It's an actual "Plan B" for when birth control fails. It's a Godsend!!!!
06/04/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by sweetiejo
There probably hasn't been any research done on the effects of a growing body. I took plan B at age 16 and it was horrible. I was sick for days from the pill and it caused me to be in immense pain. I later told my doctor about it and he said the ... more
They use the Pill as a treatment for Endometriosis. How do I know? I'm a nurse AND I've had endometriosis. One of my treatments was to put me back on the Pill. I have NO Idea where your doctor got the idea that women with endometriosis can't take the Pill, as it's the First Line of Treatment.

Some women can't take the Pill, (but it has nothing to do with endometriosis) but it's usually the estrogen in large doses that causes problems, not the progesterone. The estrogen can cause migraines and nausea in some women.

Plan B is ONLY Progestin, a form of progesterone.

Plan B is ONE pill of progesterone. ONE. That's it. Plenty of research has been done on women of all ages.
06/04/2012
Contributor: Errant Venture Errant Venture
I had one or two female friends, as a teen, who took the Pill for acne, and they had no illnesses that were attributed to it.

Now that I think about it, my mum wanted me to take some sort of pill to deal with my acne. Fancy that, a guy on the Pill :| .
06/05/2012
Contributor: Azule Azule
I think it should definitely be available because it is something that could be seriously necessary in unfortunate circumstances.
06/08/2012
Contributor: Missmarc Missmarc
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I am not sure about this really.
06/08/2012
Contributor: booboo111926 booboo111926
it should be available to them as long as they have adult supervision
06/26/2012
Contributor: hybridinsurge hybridinsurge
Children should have access to Plan B but they should be supervised. (FYI I think anyone using this method needs some medical supervision/involvemen t.) The medication has serious side effects and the dosage may be too much for a smaller child since the pill is designed for adults. I think these kids should opt to be supervised by someone without needing parental consent. However, I'm not sure if this is doable without parents having grounds to sue someone.
07/06/2012
Contributor: SubmissiveFeminist SubmissiveFeminist
It absolutely should be provided to anyone who needs it.
07/11/2012
Contributor: digit88 digit88
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
should be available
07/11/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Errant Venture
I had one or two female friends, as a teen, who took the Pill for acne, and they had no illnesses that were attributed to it.

Now that I think about it, my mum wanted me to take some sort of pill to deal with my acne. Fancy that, a guy on the ... more
I wouldn't suggest men of any age, especially pubescent boys, go on female hormones, unless they are transitioning to female.

These hormones are basically safe for women, as they are the hormones are bodies make naturally. For a young man who is happy being a man, and intends to stay that way, the Birth Control Pill could cause some permanent bodily and physiological changes.

While safe for girls and women, female hormones shouldn't be taken by men of any age... unless they are transitioning. They are used rarely in some cases of heart and circulatory diseases, but not much anymore.
07/11/2012
Contributor: snowyslut snowyslut
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I think that it's really important to allow minors to access Plan B without a prescription, because they're a really vulnerable population. If a girl needs Plan B but doesn't want her parents to find out (because they'd punish her, because they would prohibit her from taking Plan B, or any reason) then she can't really ask them to take her to the doctor or pay for a prescription. Minors are not likely to have much money or access to transportation, and their ability to procure some stuff (like prescriptions) on their own is seriously limited. It is for their own safety that Plan B should be made available widely and over the counter.
07/15/2012
Contributor: Errant Venture Errant Venture
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I wouldn't suggest men of any age, especially pubescent boys, go on female hormones, unless they are transitioning to female.

These hormones are basically safe for women, as they are the hormones are bodies make naturally. For a young man ... more
It was a joke .
07/17/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Errant Venture
It was a joke .
Oh. OK.
07/18/2012
Contributor: Experiment Experiment
My friend got drunk and was taken advantage of at a party. A third friend had to buy it for her because she wasn't old enough. What if she hadn't had that friend? It's unreasonable to have that age restriction
07/21/2012
Contributor: yummyinmytummy yummyinmytummy
There are states where you can get an abortion without parents, but they can't take measures to prevent that invasive procedure
07/23/2012
Contributor: Phosphorous Tick Phosphorous Tick
I would rather it be available for safety reasons not the endorsement of young people having sex which seems to be the issue.
As in cases such as rape I believe it would be less safe to have the youngster carry the child to full term; or in any case really.
07/23/2012
Contributor: g- g-
If you are old enough to breed you are old enough to buy contraceptives.
07/23/2012
Contributor: (k)InkyIvy (k)InkyIvy
*sigh* This topic makes me sad...
While I am very against children having sex, I'm even more against children having children.
If 11 year olds are having sex, they should be able to get the plan B pill.
07/24/2012
Contributor: edenguy edenguy
Quote:
Originally posted by voenne
If a minor is responsible enough to go out and try to get Plan B to prevent pregnancy, then yes. Not condoning unprotected sex for minors, but in the cases of accidents if they are sexually active or have been raped, it should be. If not over the ... more
I like the guardian idea, or having a parent sign a waiver or something saying it's ok
08/11/2012
Contributor: sXeVegan90 sXeVegan90
Yes I think it should be available to everyone. Kids are having sex nowadays, and to me, this is better than an 11 year old to be bringing a baby into the world that they can't take care of. It just makes me sad that someone so young is having sex in the first place. It makes you wonder where their parents are or why they feel the need to have sex at such a young age. 'Everyone's doing it' is no excuse.
08/11/2012
Contributor: Stinkytofu10 Stinkytofu10
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I think Plan B just needs to be cheaper. It costs 10 yuan (less than $2) to get Plan B in China, and there's no age restrictions. I remember correctly, it costs over $50 in the US.
I don't recall ever hearing in the news about large amount of Chinese teenagers abuse Plan B. I think all this restriction is just to make it more expensive, kinda like alcohol.
08/25/2012
Contributor: RealToMe RealToMe
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I think you should be 17 or 18 to recieve this without prescription, otherwise you should be required to see a doctor so it is only used safely. If an 11 year old *needed* it, they would have to discuss with their parent (who could easily get it for them). Then parents would be more likely to talk to their kids about sex.
08/25/2012
Contributor: edenguy edenguy
I think for an 11 year old there could be parental consent
08/30/2012
Contributor: Kenneth Fort Kenneth Fort
Not to a minor, no.
10/04/2012
Contributor: RebelRebelJen RebelRebelJen
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
I think there are certain restrictions that should be put into place. If this is readily available to anyone, what kind of an example does that set for younger kids? I myself have taken Plan B once. I was 16 and stupid and I went to Planned Parenthood to get it. It wasn't as if I went to the drug store and bought it. I had to get checked out and talk to a doctor beforehand.
10/04/2012
Contributor: LoooveMonkey LoooveMonkey
I think it should be available from 15+. I'm totally not comfortable with it being freely available to 11 year olds. o_O I mean at that age, their parents should be involved.
10/04/2012
Contributor: SoloJoe SoloJoe
yes
10/09/2012
Contributor: hyacinthgirl hyacinthgirl
The only thing that I'm concerned with parental consent for an 11-year-old, is that if I knew of an 11-year-old buying Plan B, I would immediately assume rape. It needs to be reported if someone is going around sexually abusing 11-year-olds.

I'm okay with it being made available without a prescription to under-18's, because a prescription isn't always easy/timely to get, but it should still be behind the counter, so that at least some medical advice can be dispensed with it and questions can be answered.
10/09/2012
Contributor: novanilla novanilla
It's ridiculous that it's not available to a population that arguably needs it even more, and perhaps more often, due to lower rates of usage of birth control and obviously less readiness to have children.
10/09/2012
Contributor: damnbul12 damnbul12
Yes it should be available
10/09/2012
Contributor: RedKyuubi RedKyuubi
It should be available with pharmacist counselling
10/09/2012
Contributor: Creepellah Creepellah
It should be available to everyone.
12/04/2012
Contributor: spiced spiced
Quote:
Originally posted by RedKyuubi
It should be available with pharmacist counselling
This is my opinion. Incest and rape are two very good reasons why requiring parental consent is a bad idea.

I think this decision had almost nothing to do with science and almost everything to do with politics and the so-called culture wars. Enough already! I think we'll be a lot better off when medical questions are settled based on known facts (ie science) and NOT on emotion/superstition/r eligion. /soapbox
12/06/2012
Contributor: RavenInChains RavenInChains
At a young age an abortion or a pregnancy and birth is MUCH more damaging to a young girl's body than this pill. The plan b pill is not an abortion pill and it has significantly few side effects.

Young girls will not go to their parents if something happens doing sex to be taken to get a prescription for this medication. Instead they end up waiting to see if they are pregnant, at that point abortion or birth are their only options.
12/12/2012
Contributor: LAndJ LAndJ
While I don't agree with minors having sex in the first place, I do agree plan b should be an accessible option. I'd rather that than children parenting children.
12/16/2012
Contributor: falalena falalena
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
it should be available in a smaller dosage for girls who weigh less than the average woman. i dont think i would want an 11yo girl using it without the help of an older adult... but an 11yo girl concerned about pregnancy may not have that sort of relationship with her parents so it complicates things.
01/08/2013
Contributor: anonymous1298304 anonymous1298304
it's really complicated to me. i imagine how many minors really would need some kind of guidance regardless of the circumstances leading them to needing plan b. I 100% believe they should have access to it, not be denied it, but would like to see it in a way that would also provide education and emotional support to them. there really isn't any circumstance that leads to the need for emergency birth control that youth wouldn't perhaps benefit from additional help. whether having had unplanned unprotected sex, issues with condoms, rape...

i think it is also an opportunity to educate on birth control options and safer sex.

as an adult who has needed plan b before, i can't imagine being a child or a teen and going to the drug store for plan b, and no one even asking "are u ok?"
01/08/2013
Contributor: Stagger13 Stagger13
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
See subject intro.

Should it be available without a prescription to minors or not?

Why in the discussion.
perhaps available with parental consent.
01/09/2013
Contributor: srexom srexom
I think it's important for parents to be involved in the minors life.
01/11/2013
Contributor: Bleu Bleu
To minors? No. Rape or not. Take the kid to a doctor and get them checked out. Don't just assume that they are going to get pregnant and put them through the possible side effects of it. I do think there should be a lower dosage version made available at ERs or something that parents can take their kid to in case of stuff like rape and molestation. You should take children to the doctor anyway..so why is it really needed as an OTC or take-home version?
02/01/2013
Contributor: Andrey2052 Andrey2052
Yes it should be available
02/01/2013
Contributor: Cherrylane Cherrylane
Apparently, part of the FDA decision would have made it legal to display Plan B over the counter, say, right next to condoms etc.

What do you think about that?
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
41  (38%)
63  (59%)
3  (3%)
Total votes: 107
Poll is open
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Contributor: voenne voenne
To me, putting it on the shelves makes it seem that it's okay to have unprotected sex if you can just take a pill to make it all better. It should be available without prescription, but still behind the counter...
12/07/2011
Contributor: Drakoni Drakoni
I'm for making all products that encourage safe sex and responsible family planning available without judgement.
12/08/2011
Contributor: MaryExy MaryExy
I think Plan B would be best behind a counter or lock so that employees can watch patterns and make sure that someone is not using it so frequently that it looks like they are just avoiding other birth control methods. I don't think there should be a limit on them, but if someone is getting it that frequently, an employee could offer alternative options that are available in case the person is not aware of other options (most people know about condoms, but I know several people who don't know about things like diaphragms or jellies.
12/10/2011
Contributor: Rarity Rarity
I'm not quite sure what difference it would make putting it on the shelves.

The only concern of mine would be the availability of a pharmacist to assist and answer questions people may have when purchasing the product.
12/11/2011
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
Without a prescription but behind the counter.
12/26/2011
Contributor: geliebt geliebt
I feel like behind the counter would be best, since it is sort of a serious drug and the pharmacists should be able to make sure the customer understands how to properly use it.
01/03/2012
Contributor: Badass Badass
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
Apparently, part of the FDA decision would have made it legal to display Plan B over the counter, say, right next to condoms etc.

What do you think about that?
if kids can buy it from behind the counter.. i dont understand why its behind the counter..?
01/28/2012
Contributor: Secret Pleasure Secret Pleasure
I do beleieve it is a safer opition having it behind the counter.
04/08/2012
Contributor: StarFire StarFire
i think to have it on the shelves is a little much if only for the reason to monitor its use people should not uses that at there main form of protection
04/11/2012
Contributor: Azule Azule
I think behind the counter is better for the most part, although I know certain states make it extremely difficult to obtain from behind the counter when certain workers are unwilling to give it to girls because of their own personal convictions.
06/08/2012
Contributor: yummyinmytummy yummyinmytummy
Behind the counter so that they explain how to take it so that it's actually effective (since it is such an important issue)
07/23/2012
Contributor: sXeVegan90 sXeVegan90
Behind the counter, so that the people distributing it should have to explain how to take it, and I also think if you're under legal age, you should have to have parent consent. It's not as though you can hide a pregnancy for 9 months full term anyway, so it can't be said your parent's won't find out anyway.
08/11/2012
Contributor: emiliaa emiliaa
Quote:
Originally posted by sXeVegan90
Behind the counter, so that the people distributing it should have to explain how to take it, and I also think if you're under legal age, you should have to have parent consent. It's not as though you can hide a pregnancy for 9 months full ... more
this is true, actually, I thought of that after I voted. Someone taking any form of birth control should know what they're doing, though! I just think it should be on the shelves, perhaps, too, because that way if someone is embarrassed they can still get it. God knows some people working there would be pro-life freaks who berated them if too much attention was drawn to it--but I would hope they'd read the instructions very carefully.
10/03/2012
Contributor: damnbul12 damnbul12
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
Apparently, part of the FDA decision would have made it legal to display Plan B over the counter, say, right next to condoms etc.

What do you think about that?
Plan B should totally be on the shelves!
12/04/2012
Contributor: spiced spiced
Behind the counter, so the pharmacist can consult with the purchaser. Parental consent would NOT be a good idea, IMO, because of incest and rape (etc).
12/06/2012
Contributor: LAndJ LAndJ
For safety, behind the counters.
12/16/2012
Contributor: falalena falalena
it should be behind the pharmacy counter, so if a young girl did have a question she is right there and getting information from a good source.
01/08/2013
Contributor: Stagger13 Stagger13
Quote:
Originally posted by Cherrylane
Apparently, part of the FDA decision would have made it legal to display Plan B over the counter, say, right next to condoms etc.

What do you think about that?
I would feel more comfortable if it was not easily purchase by minors in bulk. I think too many of those pills could be dangerous if taken together.
01/09/2013
Contributor: srexom srexom
being high dosage and should be used sparingly I believe it belongs behind the counter.
01/11/2013
Contributor: Cherrylane Cherrylane
I always wonder how much "things would be different" if our policies were different. I kind of feel like, if we aren't going to make all the best alternative resources available, then we at least need to do a much better job of giving them what they need to make the best decisions and mitigate risks most effectively BEFORE Plan B could be "necessary."

Do you think keeping things like this away from young people helps them make the "best" decision by encouraging them to be abstinent, or do you think it puts them more at risk?
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Contributor: Rarity Rarity
From what I've seen, withholding birth control does not discourage young people from having sex. It just results in a lot of heartache and places a certain stigma on sex, making it out to be something unhealthy which it is not.

Young people should be educated about these matters and they should learn to take responsibility for their own bodies. There are young people who are already sexually active and find themselves in situations where they need to obtain Plan B, it shouldn't be our roles to make their lives harder.
12/11/2011
Contributor: geliebt geliebt
Education needs to be a focus, definitely. But if we're not going to comprehensively educate all young people about sex, STDs, Pregnancy, etc., then we need to at least have materials available to allow them to be safe. I don't think any majority of teenagers are going to not have sex because they can't get ahold of condoms or other items. They'll just end up having unprotected sex, for the most part. Safety is key, and while parents may not WANT their teens to be sexually active, the reality is that they're going to sneak around and do these things anyway. At least they can be safe.
01/03/2012
Contributor: spiced spiced
Totally agree with above posts. Abstinence only education doesn't work. Period. Comprehensive sex education and making contraception available have been shown to reduce teen pregnancy and STDs. Putting up barriers only puts kids at unnecessary risk.
12/06/2012
Contributor: Bleu Bleu
I agree with these two. Honestly, if I didn't know about birth control pills, shots, and other stuff...I would try things like the "pull out" method or just aimlessly believing that my period is the only time I can get preggers (many girls in my high school and middle school thought that).

I think people should teach safety. Just going over STDs and stuff doesn't scare many enough make them not have it.
01/10/2013
Contributor: wrecklesswords wrecklesswords
Education is a must. If we won't teach comprehensive sexual education in schools, then we need to have AMPLE after-school type programs. We need to have mailers or something.

Too many people don't get the free contraception that they can get because they don't believe any is available near them. And sometimes, people don't have any way to get TO the free condoms at clinics.

And to be honest, I had a comprehensive sex education in my middle school. I did learn a lot about how the reproductive organs work and what methods to use to prevent pregnancies and some STDs. However, there was nothing in depth about the menstrual cycle, just that women experience them typically between certain ages. There was nothing specific, really.

It was still treated like an embarrassing topic. And I think that needs to change in our country.
01/11/2013
Contributor: Cherrylane Cherrylane
If there's another element to this subject you have a question or opinion about, feel free to share it here!
12/07/2011
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Contributor: wrecklesswords wrecklesswords
While I think that Plan B should be openly available at any pharmacy, I would like to add that there should be a warning that girls and women will not want to use it just like contraception.

Plan B can really mess you up. It can make you feel sick for days to a week (like it did to me). Your emotions and hormones are so out-of-whack that you will be snapping and crossing the line a lot.

Or, it could make you a little sick to your stomach and you will be fine.

Personally, I never, ever, ever want to have to take it again. And I never would have had I not been assaulted.

But my experience with it was very, very terrible. I'm very glad that it was made available to me. I just never want to take it again because of what it did to my body. I'm not saying it's bad. Because if you really are trying to cover all of your bases, then this will be an amazing emergency tool for you.

Just, you know, don't use it like a condom, okay?
01/11/2013