( CNN ) -- Emergency contraception known as the `` morning-after pill '' can be sold over-the-counter to minors , a federal appeals court in New York decided on Wednesday . A generic two-pill version could soon be available without a prescription or any age restrictions , according to an order by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit . But the three-judge panel separately blocked unrestricted sales of a newer , different Plan B one-pill version , until it can further consider the matter . The Obama administration has been criticized by some women 's rights groups for trying to stop contraception sales to underage females . Some of those groups applauded the court 's order . `` Once again , the message from the courts is clear : Emergency contraception must be made available over the counter for all ages , and the burdensome practice of requiring girls 16 and under to obtain a prescription and all others to show an ID must end , '' said Marcia Greenberger , co-president of the National Women 's Law Center . The Justice Department appealed a ruling in April by U.S. District Judge Edward Korman , who directed the Food and Drug Administration to make the morning-after birth control pill available to females `` of child-bearing age '' without a prescription . The key ingredient in Plan B is the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel , which can prevent fertilization or prevent an egg from embedding in the uterus if it has been fertilized . Korman 's ruling responded to a lawsuit launched by the Center for Reproductive Rights . The group sought 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 district court ruling called it a landmark decision , while opponents raised concerns about safeguards being eliminated . The government now has 14 days to decide whether to challenge the order before the full appeals court or directly to the U.S. Supreme Court . If the order is not appealed , reproductive rights groups say the two-pill contraceptive could be available at pharmacies in about a month . Plan B One-Step is an updated one-pill version . The FDA said last month it was changing its regulations , allowing sales by a private pharmaceutical firm , Teva Women 's Health , to those 15 and over without a prescription . Only those 17 or older were previously allowed to buy the contraceptive . Korman had criticized what he called `` nonsensical '' government rules that he said unfairly favored the single pill version over the cheaper , generic two-pill version . Under current policies , prescriptions are still need for the generic version for those under age 17 . The FDA announced two years ago there would be no limits on over-the-counter sales of morning-after pills . But Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius unilaterally ordered the age and prescription restrictions put in place . That prompted the lawsuits . 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 . There was no immediate reaction to the order from the FDA or the Justice Department . The case is Tummino v. Hamburg ( 13-1690 ) .
Appeals panel approved sale of one version , but blocked another pending further review . Groups criticize Obama administration for trying to block sales of birth-control pills to girls . Comment: