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Emergency Contraception Safe For Teens

Dawn Megli |
November 25, 2012 | 10:16 p.m. PST

Executive Producer

The AAP recommended advance prescriptions to increase the effectiveness of the drug by giving teens the ability to take it as soon as possible. (Robert Couse-Baker)
The AAP recommended advance prescriptions to increase the effectiveness of the drug by giving teens the ability to take it as soon as possible. (Robert Couse-Baker)
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that doctors issue prescriptions for emergency contraceptives to teenage patients as a precautionary measure, as the over-the-counter drug is not available to anyone under 17 years of age, according to Reuters.

The Academy also said emergency contraception should be available over-the-counter with no age restrictions.

The Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology reviewed seven trials and concluded that advance prescribing decreased the time before usage, making the emergency contraception more effective. The review also found advanced prescribing did not increase sexual activity among teens. 

Read the story at Reuters.

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