Within 30 days, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, including its Ottawa location, will begin offering emergency contraception to girls 17 and older.

Currently, Plan B is available over the counter to women age 18 and older, and with a prescription to women younger than 18.

The change stems from the Federal Drug Administration’s recent decision to comply with a federal judge’s order from March 23 to expand access to EC, also known as Plan B. 



"(The April 22) decision by the FDA puts women’s health ahead of politics," said Steve Trombley, PPIL president & CEO. "We must do everything we can to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and protect the health and safety of all women."

The court ruling criticized the FDA’s prior decisions regarding Plan B, saying it was infected by "political considerations, delays and implausible justifications for decision making, pressure emanating from the White House and the obvious connection between the confirmation process of two FDA commissioners and the timing of the FDA’s decisions," according to a Planned Parenthood press release.

The court also ordered the FDA to reconsider whether minors younger than 17 should be permitted to obtain emergency contraception over the counter. 



"It is appalling that the U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy among the most developed countries in the world. Approximately 750,000 teens will get pregnant this year, and this ruling can help reduce this alarming statistic," said Trombley. "Studies show that teenagers use emergency contraception responsibly and don't rely on it as a regular method of birth control."

According to Planned Parenthood, research shows increased access to contraception does not increase or encourage sexual activity among teens. 

Emergency contraception pills contain hormones that reduce the risk of pregnancy when started within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. The sooner EC is administered, the better it works, making timely access critically important.

PPIL is located at 612 Court St. For those 17 and younger, Plan B can be purchased from front desk staff by showing identification.