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The impact of over-the-counter availability of "Plan B" on teens' contraceptive decision making

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  • Krishnamurti, Tamar
  • Eggers, Sara L.
  • Fischhoff, Baruch

Abstract

In ruling on the over-the-counter status (OTC) of the emergency contraceptive, "Plan B", the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) questioned whether younger adolescent females could adequately self-select and self-medicate. That determination requires a judgment of fact, regarding how increased emergency contraceptive availability would affect adolescents' behavior, and a judgment of values, regarding the acceptability of different outcomes. We present a general approach to such problems, using analytical and empirical methods grounded in behavioral decision research. We illustrate it with findings from 30 in-depth interviews and follow-up surveys, with adolescent females aged 13-19 in the Pittsburgh area reporting how Plan B availability would affect three decisions (having sex, choosing contraceptives, using Plan B). Although the FDA expressed concern about younger teens using Plan B as their primary form of contraception, neither younger nor older teens revealed such an intention. However, teens preferred easier availability, should emergency contraceptive be needed. Incorporating an understanding of teens' decision-related perspectives can make such policies more predictable and transparent.

Suggested Citation

  • Krishnamurti, Tamar & Eggers, Sara L. & Fischhoff, Baruch, 2008. "The impact of over-the-counter availability of "Plan B" on teens' contraceptive decision making," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(4), pages 618-627, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:67:y:2008:i:4:p:618-627
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    Cited by:

    1. Teixeira, Maria & Guillaume, Agnès & Ferrand, Michèle & Adjamabgo, Agnès & Bajos, Nathalie, 2012. "Representations and uses of emergency contraception in West Africa. A social anthropological reading of a northern medicinal product," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(1), pages 148-155.

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