HHS Official Overrules FDA Decision on Plan B Pill

Health and Human Services Secretary has overruled the decision by the FDA to make Teva Pharmaceuticals' Plan B morning-after pill available to young teens without a prescription.

A top health official from the Obama administration has overruled the decision by the US FDA to make Teva Pharmaceuticals' Plan B morning-after pill available to young teens without a prescription. It is believed to be the first time that the Obama administration has overruled an FDA decision.

FDA officials had decided to lift the age restriction on the pill, which is currently available without prescription only to those 17 and older who can prove their age.

However, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius overruled the FDA, deciding that the pill should remain behind pharmacy counters and should not be moved to drug store shelves.