Be Safe: Use a Fake ID

Barr Pharmaceuticals will resubmit its application for nonprescription sales of the morning-after pill, possibly putting an end to three years of federal hand-wringing over the sexual proclivities of 17-year-olds. Barr has compromised, agreeing to limit the over-the-counter version to women 18 and over. (Pharmacies will have to enforce the rule.) Given that there is no credible medical reason for the restriction, the FDA appears to be overtly caving to political pressure from conservatives. But at the same time, it's a pretty hollow victory for the forces of abstinence. What 16-year-old is going to incur the expense of a doctor visit when she can ask an older friend or sister (or friend's sister) to walk into a pharmacy for her? Are bands of kids going to hang out outside CVS, asking strangers to grab some contraception for them? The prescription version won't even be worth stocking.