Decision delayed on morning-after birth-control pill

WASHINGTON — The government has delayed a decision about whether to allow women to buy the morning-after birth-control pill over the counter but hopes to act soon, the manufacturer said yesterday.

The pill, Plan B, is sold now only by prescription. It may prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

The Food and Drug Administration rejected the over-the-counter proposal last year, citing lack of data about the effect on teenagers.

The manufacturer, Barr Pharmaceuticals, applied again six months ago, proposing Plan B be made available without prescription to women 16 and older. A prescription would be required for anyone younger than 16.

Hours after the company announced the delay, the Center for Reproductive Rights filed suit against the FDA for failing to approve Plan B for over-the-counter access. The suit, filed in federal court in New York, contended the FDA didn't follow its own procedures or statutory and regulatory mandates when it first denied the application, the center said.