Reproductive rights were once again brought to the attention of the public, as a federal judge ruled that Plan B, or “the morning after pill,” should be available to women of all ages and over the counter. This ruling from last Friday eliminates previous concerns that women younger than 17 years old may have had regarding parental consent, and it also allows Plan B to be obtained much faster because a prescription will no longer be necessary. 

Because the cumbersome and time-consuming doctor’s appointment will be out the of the picture, women face one fewer obstacle in obtaining Plan B when it’s needed immediately after sexual intercourse.

The sooner Plan B is used, the more effective it can be. Accessibility is critical, especially if contraceptives are not used regularly, if birth control was not used as prescribed or if a condom breaks.

The new ruling will allow women to take more control over their own sexual behaviors and health. Its widespread availability to women of all ages will create a more open conversation around the use of Plan B.

Directions are explicitly stated upon receipt of Plan B, like any other medication. Plan B contains a high level of hormones and should not be used regularly; it is a form of emergency contraception that must be made available to all sexually active women. 

Plan B One-Step offers a page of its website that can help women determine the best timeline for its use, having what it calls a “Countdown Clock,” which focuses on the circumstances of each individual woman’s situation. McKinley Health Center also provides information regarding Plan B and its use for students at the University who are interested or may have questions. 

Plan B can be used as a resource in the case of rape. We don’t choose to be raped, but we can choose our next action. Victims, without question, need accessibility to Plan B as quickly and easily as possible in these situations, should they decide they need it. 

But we must also allow for those who are sexually active to make decisions that suit them, regardless of age. 

As Plan B becomes more accessible in our nation, we encourage birth control to be equally as accessible, especially to young girls who may be at risk of unintended pregnancy and who may be in a difficult position when it comes to communicating their needs to their parents. 

With the proper awareness and education, anyone of any age can responsibly use an emergency contraceptive like Plan B.

Lifting age restrictions on Plan B allows for an open conversation. It encourages accessibility. It encourages independent decisions about one’s own reproductive health. It allows women of all ages, regardless of circumstance, a necessary emergency precaution.