One local doctor says no
AMARILLO -- The Plan B pill has been in the news a lot lately. Texas legislation could affect if it is made available to rape victims and what information is given out about it at pharmacies.
There is also a nationwide debate going on over how old women should be to be able to obtain the pill.
ProNews 7 wanted to take the controversy back a step and ask: What is it that Plan B does?
A local obstetrician and gynecologist told us it is different from the abortion pill.
Plan B stops ovulation, without which a woman can not get pregnant.
But the controversy is this: Is Plan B killing a fertilized egg?
"It works clearly before the time of fertilization. It probably impairs sperm transport as well so that the sperm cells can't go down the fallopian tube to cause fertilization," said Dr. Robert Kauffman.
But is Plan B dangerous for young women?
Again, Kauffman says no and adds, he believes, it is much less dangerous than pregnancy because of the emotional and physical damage it can cause in a young woman's body.
Kauffman thinks the Plan B pill should be readily available.
"Plan B is still behind the counter," said Kauffman. "In other words, women have to ask their pharmacist for it. It makes no sense at all and all it does... it's a law made to discourage women from asking for Plan B from their pharmacists."
