( CNN ) -- The Obama administration will allow minors to obtain one form of the emergency contraception known as the `` morning-after pill , '' dropping its appeal of a judge 's order requiring it to be sold over the counter . U.S. District Judge Edward Korman had ruled in April that the government must allow over-the-counter sales , and a federal appeals court rejected the administration 's challenge to that ruling last week . The administration had been criticized by some women 's rights groups for trying to stop contraception sales to underage females . In a Monday letter to Korman , Justice Department attorneys said the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services had agreed to make the single-pill version of the drug available `` without age or point-of-sale restrictions . '' `` It is the government 's understanding that this course of action fully complies with the Court 's judgment in this action , '' the letter states . `` Once the Court confirms that the government 's understanding is correct , the government intends to file with the Circuit Court notice that it is voluntarily withdrawing its appeal in this matter . '' The FDA has asked the maker of the single-pill emergency contraceptive known as Plan B One-Step to submit a new request for over-the-counter approval , the letter states . The agency `` will approve it without delay '' once filed . But the FDA wo n't allow girls to obtain a two-pill version of the drug , saying there is less safety data available on the use of the product by younger adolescents . An Obama administration official told CNN on Tuesday that the latest court ruling meant that a version of the drug would have to be made available over the counter , and if the administration had appealed , it would have been the two-pill version . Facing that reality , officials decided to move forward with the one-pill version rather than letting the two-pill configuration hit the market , the official said . The key ingredient in Plan B is the synthetic hormone levonorgestrel , which can prevent fertilization or prevent a fertilized egg from embedding in the uterus . Emergency contraceptives are intended for use within 72 hours after sex but are most effective if taken within 24 hours . 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 , prompting lawsuits . Sen. Patty Murray , D-Washington , praised the decision . `` After far too long of a delay , science has prevailed , '' said Murray , who called emergency contraception `` an essential part of women 's basic health care . '' `` Today 's move by the administration means the safety and effectiveness of Plan B , not politics , will dictate access , '' she said . And the abortion rights group NARAL Pro-Choice America said the decision `` ends a nearly decade-long battle over lowering barriers to this important medication . '' `` Health experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics and many others agree that emergency contraception is safe and effective for women of all ages , '' Ilyse Hogue , president of the rights group , said in a statement hailing the move . `` We 're happy to see this long overdue victory for science over politics . '' The move is likely to draw criticism from opponents of abortion rights , who had condemned Korman 's April ruling . 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 needed for the generic version for those under age 17 . Supporters of Korman 's ruling called it a landmark decision , while opponents raised concerns about safeguards being eliminated . The FDA said in May that 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 . Many developed countries require a prescription for oral contraceptives , including Canada and most of Europe . Other countries sell the pill without a prescription .
NEW : Decision keeps two-pill version of drug off over-the-counter market , official says . The FDA says it will allow over-the-counter sales of one-pill product . A federal judge in New York had ordered the drug be made available without restrictions . The Obama administration 's appeal of that ruling was rebuffed last week .