“The government will not appeal this decision. We will continue to work closely with FDA to ensure that all provisions of this decision are met.” The FDA said in a statement on its Web site.

 

The agency prohibited the use of emergency contraception in women younger than 18 in 2006 under the influence of the Bush administration, according to New York Judge Edward R. Korman who gave the order last month.

 

“In accordance with the court's order, and consistent with the scientific findings since 2005 by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA sent a letter to the manufacturer of Plan B that the company may, upon submission and approval of an appropriate application, market Plan B without a prescription to women 17 years of age and older,” the FDA said in its statement.

 

The FDA decision was welcomed by supporters who think that allowing teenagers to use emergency contraception would reduce the number of pregnancy, which registered increases in 2006 and 2007, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.