Obama defends decision on morning-after pill

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is defending his administration's decision to stop plans to allow the Plan B morning-after contraceptive pill move onto drugstore shelves next to condoms...

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is defending his administration’s decision to stop plans to allow the Plan B morning-after contraceptive pill move onto drugstore shelves next to condoms.

Obama says as a father of two daughters, the government should “apply some common sense” to rules when it comes to over-the-counter medication.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius overruled scientists at the Food and Drug Administration, saying young girls should not be able to buy the pill on their own.

Obama says Sebelius was concerned a 10- or 11-year-old could get the medication, which could have an adverse effect. Obama says “most parents would probably feel the same way.”

For now, Plan B will stay behind pharmacy counters, available without a prescription only to those 17 and older who can prove their age.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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