Obama Backs Morning-After Pill Limits

Calls for 'common sense' about over-the-counter drugs
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 9, 2011 2:50 AM CST
President Obama Backs Kathleen Sebelius' Morning-After Pill Move
The Plan B pill, also known as the 'morning after' pill, is displayed on a pharmacy shelf in Boston.   (Getty Images)

President Obama supports Kathleen Sebelius' unusual decision to overrule an FDA move to make the morning-after pill easier for younger girls to buy, he said yesterday. Obama said he "did not get involved in the process," but endorsed the health secretary's rejection of the agency's effort to allow girls under 17 to get the pill without a prescription, the New York Times reports.

"As the father of two daughters, I think it is important for us to make sure that we apply some common sense to various rules when it comes to over-the-counter medicine," Obama said. He cited concerns that the medication, "if not used properly, could end up having an adverse effect. And I think most parents would probably feel the same way." Obama's move prevents a showdown with conservatives, but angered some women's groups. "At this point we really want to be talking to a core segment of women voters about the president’s strong record on women’s health and freedom," said a rep for one organization. (More President Obama stories.)

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