New birth-control pill can work 5 days after sex

WASHINGTON - Federal health officials on Friday approved a new type of morning-after contraceptive that works longer than the current leading drug on the market.

The pill from HRA Pharma is ulipristal acetate, known as ella. It 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.

Ella has drawn criticism from anti-abortion groups who argue the drug is closer to an abortion pill than an emergency contraception pill.