The U.S. Justice Department has filed a notice of appeal over a federal judge 's ruling that directed the Food and Drug Administration to make the morning-after birth control pill available to females of all ages without a prescription . In April , U.S. District Judge Edward Korman ordered the FDA to make emergency contraception , specifically the morning-after pill , available to females of any age without a prescription . This week 's FDA announcement , which pertains to an application from Teva Women 's Health Inc. , is not related to Korman 's order , the FDA said . The key ingredient in Plan B is the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel , which can prevent fertilization or , if an egg has been fertilized , prevent it from embedding in the uterus . Korman 's ruling was in response to a lawsuit launched by the Center for Reproductive Rights . The group was seeking to expand access to all brands of the morning-after pill over the counter , such as Plan B One-Step and Next Choice , so that females of all ages would be able to purchase them without a prescription . Supporters of the ruling called it a landmark decision , while opponents raised concerns about safeguards being eliminated . On Wednesday , Planned Parenthood called on the Obama administration to allow access to the morning-after pill to be expanded . `` Studies show that emergency contraception is a safe and effective form of birth control that can prevent pregnancy if taken within five days of unprotected sex , and research also shows that teens are as likely as adults to use emergency contraception correctly , '' said Cecile Richards , president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America . `` Age barriers to emergency contraception are not supported by science , and they should be eliminated . '' National Organization for Women President Terry O'Neill issued a statement saying the appeal of Korman 's ruling is `` a step backwards for women 's health . '' `` Millions of women need access to this safe and effective product , and the prevention of unwanted pregnancy , particularly in adolescents , should not be obstructed by politicians , '' O'Neill said . Emergency contraceptives are intended for use within 72 hours after sex but are most effective if taken within 24 hours . Many developed countries require a prescription for oral contraceptives , including Canada and most of Europe , but other countries sell the pill without a prescription even formally or informally .
The Justice Department says the judge 's ruling does not have `` point-of-sale restrictions '' Key ingredient in Plan B is the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel . It prevents fertilization or , if an egg has been fertilized , prevents it from embedding in the uterus .