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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

FDA Okays OTC Sale of Morning-After Pill to 17 Year Olds

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Thursday, April 23, 2009   

Nashville, TN – The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) decided on Wednesday to allow over-the-counter sale of Plan B, the morning-after emergency birth control pill, to 17-year-olds. The previous age requirement was 18.

Mark Huffman of Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee says his organization is pleased with the decision.

"We welcome any move by the FDA to increase the ability of young women to prevent unintended pregnancy, so we welcome this news."

Opponents of the decision are concerned that making birth control more available to teens will result in more teens having sex.

Huffman says studies around the world say more available birth control does not mean more sexual activity among teens.

"The scientific evidence over many years of studying that particular question has proven those fears to be unfounded."

Plan B will not be available to 17-year-olds immediately, since the label-change procedure could require a few months to fully implement.





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