(Jamaica, NY) There is a new emergency contraceptive, Plan B, currently only available by prescription, may soon be sold in an over-the-counter form. The drug sometimes referred to as "the morning-after pill", significantly reduces the chance of becoming pregnant if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. It is useful after rape, condom failure, or unprotected sex for any other reason. Dr. Wayne Cohen, Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is available to discuss the potential impact of Plan B.

In a decision widely considered to have been politically motivated the FDA rejected the drug for over-the-counter availability in 2004 despite a strong recommendation by its scientific advisory committee to provide it in that form. A new FDA application for nonprescription Plan B has been submitted that would limit its sale to women 18 or older.

Some states have circumvented the FDA ruling through laws that allow pharmacists to prescribe some drugs (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Washington, and Vermont). Elsewhere, patients need a prescription from a healthcare professional to get Plan B. The availability of over- the-counter emergency contraceptives for women under 18 has been the source of much debate. Currently the Food and Drug Administration is exploring the possibility of making Plan B available for all women over the age of 18. President Bush, however supports the restriction saying "I believe that Plan B...ought to require a prescription for minors", according to the NY Post.

Unlike traditional birth control, Plan B is not for day to day use. As an emergency contraceptive, Plan B is designed as a backup method for preventing pregnancy. Plan B is not a form of the RU-486 (the abortion pill). Because Plan B is used to prevent pregnancy, it will only work if you are not already pregnant. Plan B contain the hormone Levonorgestrel which is found in many traditional birth control pills. Plan B contains no estrogen. It has remarkably few side effects.

It is important for women to remember that the Plan B pills do not provide protection against HIV/AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has a comprehensive Obstetrics and Gynecology department that can provide you with more information about Plan B Emergency Contraception. For more information about Plan B, or JHMC’s Obstetrics and Gynecology department please contact Malika Granville at the Department of Public Affairs at 718-206-6020.