Yesterday, the federal government decided to change its course regarding emergency contraception and uphold a New York judge's ruling that it can be sold to girls at any age without a prescription.

This reversal brings an end to a long-time battle between President Obama's administration and women's rights groups. The Obama administration believes the age limits for Plan B were appropriate, while women's rights groups wanted to make the morning-after pill as available as any other over-the-counter medication.

U.S. District Judge Edward Korman, whose district includes Brooklyn, was the first to make this ruling in April of this year. On Monday, the Justice Department informed him that they will comply with his decision. If he approves their plan, the Justice Department will end their appeal of his ruling. The Food and Drug Administration has asked for new labeling to the morning after pills that would let it be sold without a prescription or any age requirement.

[image via AP]