WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration's decision to appeal a court order lifting age limits on purchasers of the morning-after pill is prompting criticism from reproductive rights groups, who say it is politically motivated and a step backward for women's health.
One group says the appeal removes the promise of all women having timely access to emergency contraception.
The Justice Department on Wednesday appealed a federal judge's order that would allow girls and women of any age to purchase the "Plan B" pill and its generic competition as easily as buying aspirin.
The department said the judge exceeded his authority.
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday had lowered to 15 the age at which people can buy Plan B without a prescription and said the pill could be sold on drugstore shelves.
