But as the country's most tightly controlled legal drug, it must be dispensed at licensed clinics, and almost never by doctor's prescription.

Over-the-counter pills would be sold just in pharmacies and licensed clinics, the chairman of Barr, Bruce Downey, said.

The settlement of the Crossings case meant that the court never decided whether Oasas was on solid legal ground in claiming jurisdiction over homes linked to licensed clinics.

As a result, although they can receive care in licensed clinics, they cannot obtain critical psychoactive medications.

The service is available to people regardless of income or immigration status, is confidential and refers only to licensed clinics or hospitals.

Officials and managers of licensed clinics in New York agree that the large majority of unlicensed offices offer safe abortions performed by competent doctors.

Women often turn to advertisements in newspapers or the phone book, which officials and managers at licensed clinics say some women can find confusing.

The advocates have also faulted a state law that limits each licensed clinic to treating no more than 350 patients.