AAP: Sexually-active teens should have prescriptions for Plan B

November 26, 2012 (WLS) -- The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging physicians to discuss emergency contraception with teenaged girls and to write them a prescription if they are sexually active.

The new guidelines from the largest organization of pediatric doctors in the U.S. update those from 2005. The AAP says the data are more supportive of emergency contraception, such as Plan B and that these methods are absolutely not an abortion.

The controversial move published online in the journal Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of informing teens that emergency contraception is available and is most effective if taken one day after having unprotected sex.

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