Campus, community reacts to 'Plan B' pills

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved emergency contraceptive Plan B for over-the-counter status for 18 and older. The move has experts applauding due to the wide access of this emergency contraceptive that could prevent up to 1.5 million unintended pregnancies and 800,000 abortions a year. Silver Malone, the clinic manager for the Terre Haute Planned Parenthood believes that "this move will prevent women from being forced into a difficult decision between pregnancy or abortion." Both are decisions that place a health and safety concern upon the woman. The pill works like a massive dose of birth control; it prevents ovulation and fertilization of an egg, so there is no pregnancy. This decision though, has raised concerns among officials, parents and religious groups feel that this extra pregnancy prevention on the market could promote unsafe sex. Mark Gallagher from Christian Student Fellowship says, "Will it raise promiscuous behavior? Probably not, but it could cause women to have unprotected sex more often and that could lead to health problems." Essentially this would cause a decrease in pregnancy but a sharp spike in STD contractions. The promiscuity issue though has not been fully laid to rest. Megan McCormick, a junior, feels that with this new pill "promiscuity will be raised. Over the years, girls get more and more promiscuous, and we'll see more problems arise. But at least that option is there." With the emergency contraceptive readily available, it is hard to shake off the notion that promiscuity will not be on the rise even though research shows that this unprecedented access does not increase or encourage sexual activity amongst teens. Alisha White, a freshman, said "Yes, women could start thinking now that they are safe with this backup." A concern that has been raised is the current restriction on the age and the availability of this drug. President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Indiana, Betty Cockrum, issued a statement in a press release stating that 'While we are glad the FDA finally ended its foot-dragging on this issue, Planned Parenthood is troubled by the scientifically baseless restriction imposed on teenagers. In Indiana, 10 teenagers under age 16 become pregnant everyday." The crux of the age problem is the time between unprotected intercourse and taking the emergency contraceptive; the sooner it is administered, the better it works, making timely access crucial. Young teens faced with the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy still need to get a prescription and have it filled before taking the contraceptive; effectively raising the probability of pregnancy. "Anything that makes it harder for teenagers to avoid unintended pregnancy is bad for public health, for Indiana's graduation rates and for preventing child abuse and neglect," Cockrum concludes. By the end of the year women will have access to emergency contraceptives as long as they can prove they are 18 or older to a pharmacist. The pills should cost about $25 to $40 per dose.