New York Desk

Governor Pataki vetoed legislation that would have allowed pharmacists to dispense the so-called morning-after pill to women of any age without a prescription. The veto, which was expected, came the same day the state Assembly sent the bill to Mr. Pataki’s desk. The governor said in his veto that he supports wide distribution of the pill, which either prevents conception or blocks a fertilized egg from implanting, but rejected the bill because it did not include an age restriction for women under 16. The Food and Drug Administration has recommended the drug not be dispensed without a prescription. In addition to the age restriction, Mr. Pataki’s veto called for a limit on the amount of the drug that may be dispensed at one time, a mechanism that prevents men from purchasing it, and assurance that women who buy it are counseled. Lawmakers will take up the proposed changes during a special session expected later this year or next year. Mr. Pataki had been a consistent proponent of abortion-related laws until yesterday’s veto. Critics have charged that he rejected the emergency contraception bill as a way of appealing to conservative Republicans as he eyes that party’s presidential nomination in 2008.