Last week Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the US Department of Health and Human Services rejected the recommendation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make Plan B One-Step emergency contraception available to girls under 17 without a prescription. The Plan B One-Step will remain behind the pharmacy counter for pharmacist to verify age.

There has been mixed responds from teen and young adult leaders. For example, Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, is disappointed that the emergency contraception is not accessible for those under 17. Brown released a statement on December 7, 2011, stating, “…the decision is in conflict with the fact that there is simply no evidence to suggest that making contraception, including emergency contraception, available to teens encourages them to begin having sex, to have sex at younger ages, or to have more sexual partners…” (thenationalcampaign.org)

Mary Davenport, President of the American Association of Prolife OB-GYNs, believe quite the contrary of Sebelius decision as well. Davenport stated, “Besides its abortifacient qualities, Plan B has been shown in several studies to increase STDs, while increasing risk of dangerous ectopic pregnancies, and remaining a popular “date rape” drug for use by sexual predators.” (LifeSiteNews.com)

Similar to other prescription drugs there are pros and cons. This blog is not so much about what the drug does, but more so whom it benefits. So as a young adult you fall into the age bracket that is most likely to use this contraceptive. Either way this Plan B cannot prevent AIDs, STDs or the emotional tragedy of rape. Therefore, I ask you today what’s your Plan B?

Scripture: “Many are the plans in a person’s but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)

Call to Action: Make a 2015 End of AIDs quilt at www.2015quilt.com