Emergency contraceptive might become more available to N.C. Central University students next month.

Instead of making an appointment at the Student Health Center or Planned Parenthood, students will be able to buy Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” at any drugstore.

Efforts by the National Women’s Health Network, the Reproductive Technologies Project, and the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League have led the FDA to evaluate the pill and make a decision about its over-the-counter availability on Feb. 21.

But some students question the benefits of the widespread availability of the contraceptive.

“It’s up to each person to make the decision to use the morning-after pill or not,” said an NCCU freshman who requested anonymity. “I don’t think that making it available over-the-counter is a good idea though because it might lead to more STDs.”

It is true that the morning-after pill does not provide protection from AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. However, officials at Planned Parenthood support making it available over-the-counter to reduce unintended pregnancies.

Studies have shown that an estimated 1.7 million unintended pregnancies and 800,000 abortions can be prevented each year with widespread use of the morning-after pill.

“I believe that the morning-after pill is an excellent way to prevent contraception for those engaging in risky sexual intercourse,” said junior Dinea Hall.

“Women should have easy access to this drug if it is needed. The number of abortions that take place will definitely decline if this pill is used.”

“The morning-after pill can be beneficial at times, but it can also take away from being responsible for your actions,” said junior Jonathan Chiles. Some students are more concerned with the professional advice that will be eliminated if Plan B is purchased over-the-counter.

“This might be a negative idea,” said Junior Calikisha Lane. “Instead of going to see a doctor first and getting the proper information, people will just go to the store and buy the pill. Without the advice of a professional, people will start using the morning-after pill as a reason to not take further precautions.”

The pill can be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to reduce the possibility of pregnancy by 75-89 percent.