On Friday, April 5, a federal judge in New York ruled that the age limits currently in place on the over-the-counter sale of emergency contraceptives are "arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable."
U.S. District Judge Edward Korman's ruling puts him at odds with conservatives and President Obama, who support the age limits put in place in 2011.
According to the Associated Press, the Obama administration will have to decide whether to appeal Korman's ruling.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said on Friday that Obama's view hasn't changed and that he still supports age limits for Plan B, also known as the 'morning-after' pill.
When taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, morning-after pills can cut the chance of pregnancy by up to 89 percent.
The ban, put in place by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, required those under age 17 to see a doctor before buying the pills.
In his ruling, Korman wrote, "The motivation for the secretary's action was obviously political." The age limits were put in place during Obama's run for re-election.
Korman's ruling is set to take effect in 30 days, unless the Obama administration appeals the ruling or requests more time to prepare an appeal.
Obama cited being the parent of two daughters when he endorsed Sebelius' decision in 2011, saying it's important to "apply some common sense" to rules about over-the-counter medicine.
Many parents agree with Obama and Sebelius, feeling that children shouldn't be making adult decisions without parental input and guidance from their family doctor.
Many conservatives feel that taking an abortive pill after sex shouldn't take the place of making a responsible decision before having sex.
Women's rights groups hope that the ruling by Korman will stand, allowing Plan B and other morning-after pills to be removed from behind the counter in pharmacies and placed on store shelves beside condoms and spermicides.
Allison Price, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said that a prompt decision would be made whether to appeal the ruling.
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