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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / U.S. Court Lifts Age Restriction for Emergency Contraceptives

U.S. Court Lifts Age Restriction for Emergency Contraceptives

April 12, 2013 By Site Admin

Earlier this month, a U.S. District Court issued a ruling that essentially removes age restrictions for the Plan B One-Step emergency contraception (EC) product. In its ruling, the court ordered the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Food and Drug Administration to issue regulations allowing over-the-counter sale of this EC product to anyone, regardless of age.

Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) commended the decision.

Prior to the ruling, a doctor’s prescription was required for girls under 17 years of age to access emergency contraceptives, or more popularly known as the “morning after” pill.

In a statement about the decision, AAP President Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP explains “Unintended pregnancies pose a significant risk to the physical and emotional health of adolescents. While pediatricians recommend that teens delay sexual activity until they fully understand its consequences, we strongly encourage the use of contraception – including emergency contraception – protect the health of our adolescent patients who are sexually active.”

Supporters of the ruling claim it reflects overwhelming scientific evidence that emergency contraception is safe and effective for any woman of reproductive age. Sharon Camp, president and CEO of the Guttmacher Institute, cites that 82% of all teen pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned.

Plan B was initially approved for over-the-counter sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but was overruled by Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius. District judge Edward R. Korman, who issued the ruling, slammed the Obama Administration for “…a strong showing of bad faith and improper political influence.”

It’s unclear yet whether the administration will appeal the ruling.

Products like Plan B One-Step can reduce the risk of pregnancy up to 120 hours following unprotected intercourse or failure of a contraceptive like a condom. However, emergency contraceptives are most effective if they’re used in the first 24 hours.

Emergency contraceptives are essentially high-powered birth control pills that deliver a large dose of the progesterone hormone. It works by delaying ovulation or preventing an egg from being implanted in the uterus.

We of course recommend and strongly encourage teen girls delay sexual activity until adulthood to prevent pregnancy. This is by far the best choice from several perspectives.

However, Plan B emergency contraception can provide a level of relief if unprotected sexual activity does occur, or if another type of contraceptive fails.

If you’re looking for a more consistent, long-term birth control option, specialists at Gainesville’s All About Women can guide you on the best option – there are of course pills you can take daily or weekly, or you can consider more permanent birth control options like Essure that are hormone-free.

To discuss your birth control needs in a safe, caring environment, please contact our location in Gainesville or Lake City to schedule an appointment today.

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Filed Under: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care, Research & New Techniques Tagged With: birth control, conception, pregnancy prevention, stories, teen pregnancy

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Contact Us With Any Questions

All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

Gainesville Maternity Care

 

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All About Women
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in and around Ocala, Williston, Chiefland, Perry, Live Oak, Lake City, Starke, Palatka and Gainesville.