A lawmaker in Oklahoma says her state is likely to restrict use of the "morning-after" pill for minors in spite of an initial court ruling.
Earlier this week a federal judge blocked today's implementation of a law that would have required minors in Oklahoma to obtain a prescription for Plan B, which is otherwise sold over the counter. The Center for Reproductive Rights, a pro-abortion group, obtained the order based on a technical issue that state law bars legislation covering more than one subject.
Oklahoma Senator AJ Griffin believes the court won't have the last word on the substance of the measure. "I feel very confident that if this ruling is held up, we will run the same language during our next session in a standalone bill so that it cannot be challenged because of the loophole in our rule," she tells OneNewsNow.
As the Republican lawmaker points out, Plan B is nothing more than a mega-dose of birth-control medication. "All other forms of chemical birth control that use hormones are only available by prescription – for numerous reasons," she notes. "They have potential side effects, especially if used incorrectly."
In addition, says Griffin, there is no research to prove that it's safe for minors. "We [also] have the issue of the potential pregnancy," she adds, "but more importantly we have the issue of the behavior that puts a young person in a position to need this medication."
Over the counter availability, she argues, will not change that behavior.
Charlie Butts (OneNewsNow.com)
