The Federal Drug Administration's decision to postpone approval for the over-the-counter sale of the emergency contraceptive Plan B makes little sense.

The State News editorial, which agreed with the FDA ("Backup plan" SN 8/30), is nonsensical. As Plan B currently costs approximately $40 per two-dose regimen, it is unlikely that it would be "treated like candy;" particularly by cash-strapped teenagers. In addition, the drug's unpleasant side effects (nausea, abdominal cramps, etc.) make it hard to imagine that anyone would use it if other options exist.

If the primary reason the FDA decided to postpone a decision on Plan B is that it could be abused by teenagers, a system of checking the birth date of the purchaser could be used. This is how other over-the-counter drugs such as nicotine patches are sold. As a former pharmacy technician, I know this would not be difficult to do.

Plan B was strongly recommended for over-the-counter sale by the FDA's advisory panel in a 23-4 vote, as it meets all of the standards the FDA has set for over-the- counter drugs. Increasing the accessibility of the drug would be a major step in reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies each year.

Graham Davis
political theory and constitutional democracy junior