Prescribe morning-after pills in advance, say pediatricians

[Julian Englis]

Source: Reuters

Wading into the incendiary subject of birth control for young teenagers, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on Monday called on the nation's pediatricians to counsel all of their adolescent patients about emergency contraception and make advance prescriptions for it available to girls under 17.

Because current federal policy bans over-the-counter sales of the pills to girls under 17, having a prescription on hand could help younger teens obtain emergency contraception more quickly than if they have to contact a physician only after they need it.

Calling the AAP decision "significant," Susan Wood, former assistant commissioner for women's health at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said, "it's not often you see physician organizations saying that their patients are better off without the physician involvement."

It is anyone's guess whether pediatricians will heed their organization's recommendation, but AAP leaders are optimistic.


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/26/us-contraception-emergency-idUSBRE8AP04420121126

[Ilsa]

1. This is certainly a step in the right direction.

Make it cheap to obtain, too, to make it easier to keep a supply on hand.

[spicegal]

2. Sounds like a great idea.

Perhaps they should stock up.

[lbrtbell]

3. What's that splatting sound?

It's the sound of anti-choice thugs' heads exploding.

[eggplant]

4. But skirts shorter than ankle length are the devil's work -- the DEVIL'S WORK I SAY! n/t

What's next? Proper pre-natal care? Free education? Women allowed to make decisions for themselves?

IT'S THE END TIMES, FOLKS!

[Schema Thing]

5. It boggles my mind that, 20freakin12, almost anyone gets pregnant who doesn't want to.

I realize morning after is not foolproof - but it's pretty damn good.


The problem is that it isn't considered or not considered soon enough. These doctors can change that.

[blackspade]

6. K&R

[joanbarnes]

7. Another way to drastically curb abortion?

[Julian Englis]

8. Indeed, a common sense way to reduce abortion, but I doubt antichoicers will see it this way. n/t