( CNN ) -- The secretary of Health and Human Services overruled Wednesday a Food and Drug Administration recommendation that would have made the emergency contraceptive pill Plan B One-Step available over the counter to girls younger than 17 . In February , Teva Woman 's Health Inc , the drug maker , had asked the FDA to make the drug available without prescription to all sexually active girls and women . At the time , FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg said that , after reviewing all relevant data , `` Plan B One Step is safe and effective and should be approved for non-prescription use for all females of child-bearing potential . '' But HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius overruled that recommendation . `` Because I do not believe enough data were presented to support the application ... I have directed FDA to issue a complete response letter denying the supplemental new drug application , '' she said in a statement . In July 2009 , Plan B was approved for use without a prescription for females aged 17 and older , but girls under 17 needed a prescription . Emergency contraceptives prevent a pregnancy by preventing a fertilized egg from embedding in the uterus . They are intended for use within 72 hours after sex , but are most effective if taken within 24 hours . Proponents say requiring a prescription can delay access to the drug . Wednesday 's decision was criticized by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine , which counts more than 8,000 members . `` We are very disappointed that Secretary Sebelius opted to insert herself into what should be a scientific decision made by the experts at FDA , '' said the group 's president , Dolores J. Lamb . `` The data are clear that emergency contraception can be safely used by adolescent women without requiring a prescription . Sadly , it appears that once again our leaders are putting political expediency ahead of reproductive health . '' But Dr. Lisa Flowers , associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory University 's School of Medicine , said Sebelius ' decision `` might be the right thing to do until we get a really good system by which we can educate young kids about prevention of pregnancy and understanding the risks of getting involved in sexual intercourse , and what are the outcomes . '' Flowers suggested the FDA consider allowing over-the-counter access for girls under the age of 17 if they are accompanied by a parent to the drugstore .
NEW : `` We are very disappointed , '' says the head of a reproductive medicine group . Maker of Plan B One-Step had asked that it be available OTC to all sexually active girls and women . FDA found pill `` safe and effective , '' but HHS secretary says more data needed .