The decision on whether to sell the morning after pill over the counter will be delayed until May, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA is requesting more information about 16- and 17-year-old girls who have used the morning after pill.

The morning after pill contains a higher dose of regular hormonal contraception and currently is sold only with a prescription. If the morning after pill is taken within 72 hours after intercourse, it can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89 percent, according to a press release.

Stacey Short, a management instructor at NIU who specializes in birth control and reproductive rights, said she thinks the FDA should regulate the morning after pill.

“I think we need to be sure that the correct channels are followed, or [the FDA] will have to pull the pill off the market if there are some problems related to it,” Short said. “It’s best to do it right the first time.”

Short said although the morning after pill has many benefits, the FDA should decide if it is safe for the public.

“I’m mixed about the morning after pill,” Short said. “There is a reason, however, why regular birth control pills aren’t [available] over the counter, and that’s why FDA approval is important. Women’s health is at stake, and that’s the most important thing.”

Others have mixed reactions to the delay.

“This delay is somewhat hypocritical,” Dr. Jeffrey Waldon of Planned Parenthood said. “Every day someone doesn’t have access to the pills is another day when someone’s going to be pregnant when they don’t need to be and don’t wish to be.”

Short said she agreed.

“It is better to prevent an unwanted pregnancy than to deal with the consequences – both social and personal – of one,” Short said.

The morning after pill is available by prescription at University Health Service.