The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the distribution of generic morning after pills and has lifted the age restrictions for those who plan to buy the pill over the counter.

In July 2013, the FDA was required by virtue of a court order to remove all the age restrictions for the distribution and sales of Plan B One Step. This product was discovered to prevent pregnancy by delaying or preventing ovulation if taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. It is said to reduce the risk of getting pregnant by up to 89 percent. However, in approving the sale of this morning after pill even without a prescription, it has to grant Teva Pharmaceuticals, Plan B One Step's maker, an immunity from generic competition which will last for an additional three years.

Women's health advocates frowned upon this decision, stating than Plan B One Step is more expensive than the generic ones, which on the average, cost only $10. This prompted the FDA to review their decision. Acting director of FDA's Office of Generic Drugs, Kathleen Uhl sent an 11-page letter to generic makers explaining the revision of their decision. Under the new ruling, generic makers are allowed to sell to all age groups but they must state in the label that the product is intended for women aged 17 years and above.

Generic makers of the morning after pills can now sell to all age groups and women do not have to present a proof of age when availing the pills over the counter.

This revisions pleased women's health groups. . "This is a significant leap forward in obtaining full, over-the-counter status for emergency contraception and we commend the FDA for this decision", CEO and president of Reproductive Health Technologies Project, Jessica Arons told NPR.

"Everyone deserves a second chance to get it right, including the FDA", she added.