ust consider what has been put forward by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Women's Association. (Advocates for Youth 1). "Pregnancy begins with the implantation and agree that ECPs do not cause abortion because they have no effect once implantation has occured. ECPs do not affect an established pregnancy and numerous studies for risk of birth deffects during regular use of oral contraceptives found no increased risk" (Advocates for Youth 1).It is also a reasonable argument that emergency contraceptive pills meet the criteria for over the counter status according to Dr James Trussell. This is based on the fact that the dose remains the same for all individuals; therefore a woman can diagnose herself and administer the contraceptive (Physician's Weekly 1). Dr Trussell states that 'one out of every two women in the US has had an unitended pregnancy' and the option of over the counter emergency contraceptives enables wome to choose when and whether they want to be pregnant (Physician's Weekly 1). Another proponent of over the counter availability is Dr David Kaplan who views the possibility as exciting (Amednews.com 1). He emphasizes the effect that this could have for teenagers who often do not take a regular contraceptive and once engaged in sexual intercourse may be embarassed to contact their primary doctor (Amednews.com 1). Where teenagers are concerned some even go further. The French legislature recently considered making emergency contraceptives available to students through a school nurse (Choice.org 1).Many who oppose making emergency contraceptives available by over the counter say that it will lead to an increase in wreckless sexual behavior. A study out of Scotland concluded that " women in the group receiving advance provision of emergency contraceptive pills were not more likely than the control group to use them more repeatedly. Nor were there differencesin the rates at which b...
