WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's health secretary says young teenagers cannot buy the Plan B morning-after pill without a prescription -- a surprise move overruling her own experts, who were preparing to let it be sold on drugstore shelves like condoms.

The pill can prevent pregnancy if taken soon enough after unprotected sex. Currently, only those 17 or older can buy Plan B One-Step without a prescription, if they show a pharmacist proof of age.

The Food and Drug Administration was preparing to lift that age limit and let the emergency contraceptive be sold over the counter to anyone. But Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius overruled the agency, saying she was concerned that very young girls couldn't properly understand how to use it without guidance from an adult.

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government is considering whether it's OK for young teenagers to buy emergency contraception without a prescription.

Teva Pharmaceuticals wants its Plan B morning-after pill to become the first truly over-the-counter form of emergency contraception. The pill can prevent pregnancy if taken soon after unprotected sex. Currently, women 17 and older can buy it without a prescription if they show a pharmacist proof of age. Younger teens need a prescription.

Doctors' and women's health groups have long argued that the pill is safe even for younger teens and that lifting the age restriction would increase access for everyone. If the Food and Drug Administration agrees, Plan B One-Step could be moved from behind the counter to sell on drugstore shelves. Teva was expecting a decision on Wednesday.

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