Let’s just face it: teenagers have sex. In a perfect universe, all young people would be responsible about their decisions, and would protect themselves sufficiently through use of condoms, birth control, spermicide, etc. However, this is not always the case; for this reason, backup method is now available to young women – a “Plan B”, so to speak.

                The Plan B drug is an emergency contraceptive pill that can reduce the chance of pregnancy when your regular birth control method fails – or if you’ve had sex without birth control. A single pack of Plan B contains two pills, to be taken exactly twelve hours apart. It is not suggested that it is used routinely, as it is not effective as regular birth control and it won’t protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

                In the past, Plan B has been available over-the-counter to women who are 18 and older. The law has recently been changed; now young women who are seventeen may buy the Plan B pill for around $45 without parent permission or a doctor’s prescription. This has sparked some controversy among civilians as well as people in the medical community – should parents have a say?

                “I would prefer that a young woman talk to someone prior to using this product, however if she does not have a supportive parent or guardian she can make the decision on her own. I would hope she would talk to someone about future birth control methods,” said Rhonda Pruitt, THS School Nurse.

                Regardless of age requirements, the FDA has approved Plan B for use in young women – that is, it is medically safe according to the government. Some doctors or nurses may tell you otherwise; he decision is ultimately up to the user as to what they feel is safe for their body. When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, Plan B is proven to greatly reduce the chance of pregnancy.

                “I think it’s [completely right] to let underage girls purchase Plan B. It lets them make responsible choices on their own without waiting on their parents who may overreact. Plus, it’s a lot simpler than an abortion or an adoption,” said an anonymous Senior girl.

                Young women can easily avoid the unpleasant situation of needing to use the Plan B by making use of one or more methods of regular birth control. The most commonly used methods are condoms and the birth control pill. Condoms are available for purchase with no prescription at drugstores, pharmacies and convenience stores across the country. They are proven effective at preventing both pregnancy and STDs. Birth control pills are available through your doctor or through the Cherokee County Health Department. Birth control hormones are also delivered through the shot, patch and vaginal ring. Some lesser known methods include the diaphragm and cervical cap (known as barriers), both of which must be fitted by your doctor. 

                “My preference is that young people would wait to have sex of any kind until they are older/married. Just remember that if you are not ready to have a child or a sexually transmitted disease, you are not ready to have sex,” Pruitt said.