Myth Buster: Plan B is NOT an Abortion Pill!

[CactusCarlos]

http://drjacki-atyourcervix.blogspot.com/2012/02/myth-buster-plan-b-is-not-abortion-pill.html

I was catching up on the news headlines, and something struck me about the discussions surrounding the so-called "morning-after" pills including the brand name Plan B (there are a couple of other brands).  The commentators seemed to be telling us that these pills are the same as abortion-inducing pills like RU-486 (mifepristone).  This is a complete misrepresentation of the facts, so I felt the need to bust that myth.

The currently marketed formulations that are FDA-approved for use as emergency contraceptives contain only the hormone progesterone.  This is an important female hormone for regulation of the menstrual cycle, and it can inhibit/counteract the effects of estrogen.  Ovulation (the regular release of an egg from an ovary) depends upon a delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone during the month, and any disruption in that balance will inhibit the egg release and movement through the fallopian tube where it might meet sperm and be fertilized - i.e. conception.  This mechanism of action is significantly different from that of the abortion-inducing medication.

Mifepristone is an antagonist to progesterone, and it blocks the beneficial, pregnancy-preserving affects of that hormone.  It can disrupt an established pregnancy (one that has implanted on the uterine wall and is growing) simply by virtue of the fact that the developing pregnancy requires progesterone.  In contradistinction to that, the progesterone-containing "morning-after" pills cannot disrupt an established pregnancy and therefore cannot induce an abortion.

Emergency contraception is not a good substitute for regular use of any method of birth control because it is more unreliable at preventing the undesired pregnancy, and there may be more side-effects than standard birth control pills, patches, rings, injections, etc.  However, as a rescue method, and when taken within an optimal window of 72 hours following intercourse, these pills are an good option.  Women who are personally opposed to abortion need not fear that this is the way that these pills work.

A Facebook friend posted that Plan B is NOT an Abortion Pill.  I had never heard that before so wanted to get y'alls opinion.

[Maxiest]

I have never thought of it as an abortion pill as it blocks the pregnancy before it is actually established.

[Celtic Rose]

Like the regular birth control pill, the main goal is to prevent ovulation.  However, like the regular pill, and like some IUD's, one of the ways that it works is by making the endometrium in the uterus inhospitable to life.  Therefore, if a woman has already ovulated, it is possible for the egg to be fertilized, but for it to not be able to implant in the uterus. If the fertilized egg does manage to implant itself, or if an egg has already implanted itself, it will not cause a miscarriage.

[thundley4]

Wouldn't this still be against what Catholics believe?  It sure sounds like it.

[Maxiest]

Wouldn't this still be against what Catholics believe?  It sure sounds like it.

Well Condoms are against what the Catholics believe so yes.

[RobJohnson]

It's not an abortion pill. It's given to a lot of female rape victims that are treated at the hospital.

At one time, Wal Mart would not carry the drug, but I think that is when Sam was still alive and Wal Mart was new to the pharmacy game. Heck schools in New York are giving it out to kids...(which I don't agree with)

In Illinois there was just a court ruling on this drug:

Pharmacists don't have to dispense based on religious beliefs

The drug is just a super strong oral contraceptive that starts a female's cycle.

I can understand why some don't like the drug, I just don't agree.

[MrsSmith]

Once an egg is fertilized, a human life has started.  A deliberate action with the intent to make the uterus a hostile environment is the same as an abortion.  The only difference is that the mother doesn't know for sure that she ended a life.

[RobJohnson]

I sold many does of the pill to those over 18 to both men and women.

Sometimes plan A does not work. (Condom breaks) It's not my job to ask questions or judge, it's an FDA approved drug and you don't need to be a pharmacist in my state to sell it.

It's just like when I sell a customer Plavix, I don't ask them why they were not more careful with their lipids.

[BlueStateSaint]

Once an egg is fertilized, a human life has started.  A deliberate action with the intent to make the uterus a hostile environment is the same as an abortion.  The only difference is that the mother doesn't know for sure that she ended a life.

One day, she will find out . . .