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Plan B to stay behind the counter

New York, New York - December 7, 2011

The Plan B morning-after pill is not going to move to drugstore shelves.

The nation's health secretary has stopped the morning after pill from being more widely distributed. In a surprise move, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius overruled an FDA plan that would have allowed Plan B emergency contraception to be sold over the counter to younger women. Instead teenagers under 17 will still need a prescription to buy it.

The move disappoints women's health advocates. "As an OB/GYN and a father of a daughter, I find this decision to be really mind boggling. I mean it makes no sense whatsoever," said Dr. Jacques Moritz with Roosevelt Hospital.

The pill can prevent pregnancy if taken within three days after unprotected sex. Sebelius, a President Obama appointee, says the drug is safe and effective, but is concerned younger girls do not understand how to use it.

Conservatives applaud the decision. "It removes a necessary medical screening by removing a need for a prescription," said Jeanne Monahan with the Family Research Council. "Removing that interaction with the medical professional is not in the interest of young women's health."

The company that makes Plan B had hoped with the FDA's approval it could put the pills on store shelves, but now it will stay behind the pharmacist's counter.

College students we spoke to understand the controversy. "If you allow teenagers to have the Plan B it just gives it an open area to go and have sex," said Stephanie Gonzalez.

"If you're 13 years old you're not that responsible yet so it should be available over the counter," Genna Goldsobel.

The company that makes the pill says it's going to review the decision before taking its next step.  

Drew Levinson -- CBS News