MCH Programs and Policies - Assignment Example

Running Head: Plan B Reproductive Policy Plan B emergency Contraceptive policy Emergency contraceptives are made available over-the-counter. However, the policy restricts access to women who are 17 years and above only. The policy is controversial because of the side effects associated with it. The policy is seen to advocate for unprotected sex that would lead to escalation of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. Moreover, emergency contraception viewed as immoral by some people while others see it as a human right (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2015).

The policy originated following WHO researches that recommended that emergency contraceptives were safe for use and a litigation by over 60 women and medical groups’ in 2001 forced FDA to approve emergency contraceptives for use over-the-counter for all women. Thereafter, various state government established laws that allowed sale of emergency contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription but in 2011, the Obama administration restricted access to those under 17 years (Center for Reproductive Rights, 2015).

The policy has improved economic welfare of many women. They are not inconvenienced by unwanted pregnancies, although it has not reduced the risk of acquiring sexual infections. Religious groups believe plan B causes abortion while but researchers prove it prevents implantation. Emergency contraceptives have reduced agony and suffering from women who previously had to seek abortion services after unprotected sex. College girls no longer drop out of school due to unwanted pregnancy inconveniences (Glasier & Baird, 1998).

Drug manufacturers, women rights group, FDA and religious groups have vested interests the bill. Drug manufactures, would want it approved for use by all without restrictions. Women groups find it a right violation and medical groups such as pediatric associations believe that it important because it reduces the cost of unwanted pregnancies and the risk of complications during delivery and late abortions. Religious groups find it immoral. The FDA and government find that people are likely to abuse the drugs (Culp-Ressler, 2013; Faúndes, Tavara, Brache, & Alvarez, 2007).

REFERENCESCenter for Reproductive Rights. (2015). The Fight for Emergency Contraception: Every Second Counts. Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://reproductiverights.org/emergency-contraception-timelineCulp-Ressler, T. (2013). Judge Rules Emergency Contraception Should Be Available To All Women Over The Counter. Retrieved from http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/04/05/1826411/judge-plan-b-over-counter/Faúndes, A., Tavara, L., Brache, V., & Alvarez, F. (2007). Emergency contraception under attack in Latin America: response of the medical establishment and civil society.

Reproductive Health Matters, 15(29), 130–138.Glasier, A., & Baird, D. (1998). The effects of self-administering emergency contraception. New England Journal of Medicine, 339(1), 1–4.Kaiser Family Foundation. (2015). Emergency Contraception. Retrieved from http://kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/emergency-contraception/