Emergency contraceptive approved

A drug maker says it has won U.S. approval for a new type of morning-after contraceptive that works longer than the current leading drug on the market.

The pill ellaOne from HRA Pharma reduces the chance of pregnancy up to five days after sex. Plan B, the most widely used emergency contraceptive pill, is only effective if women take it within three days of sex.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Friday as a prescription-only birth control option. The ruling clears the way for U.S. sales of the drug, which is already approved in Europe.

EllaOne has drawn criticism from anti-abortion groups who argue the drug is closer to an abortion pill than an emergency contraception pill. (Sapa, August 2010)

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