Morning-After Pill

THE MAP CAN WORK IN TWO WAYS:

• Preventing ovulation so that conception cannot take place

• Preventing implantation which stops the tiny embryo implanting itself in the lining of the womb.

The Morning-After pill can successfully prevent the implantation of a fertilised egg; thus it is deemed a drug-inducing abortifacient. It has an antinidatory effect on the endometrium (that is, a hardening of the lining of the uterus), which prevents implantation of the tiny new human being (blastocyst stage).

The large hormone dose could rapidly affect the ovary and prevent an ovulation that might have occurred one to three days after the intercourse. If sperm were still present and active in the woman's genital tract, she might otherwise have been fertilised one to three days after the event.

They are designed for use up to 72 hours after intercourse. Very few girls will know precisely when they ovulate. It would be impossible, therefore, to determine whether or not conception and / or abortion has taken place.

The Morning-After Pill is taken in 2 doses, one 12 hours after the other. If the drug is administered by the pharmacist, they will be unable to supervise the woman taking it.

SIDE EFFECTS

They are many side effects associated with the use of the Morning-After Pill. Immediate side-effects include:

• Breast tenderness

• Change to bleeding pattern

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Fatigue

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Also contra-indications are listed below.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

• Focal Migraine

• Ostrogen Intolerance

• Liver Disease

• Adverse Drug Reaction

• Increased rate of DVT and stroke

• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy

• Increased risk of foetal abnormality

• Death

REPORTED DEATH

It has been reported in the UK that deaths have already occurred in young girls as a consequence of taking oral contraceptives and abortifacient drugs. None could have been more tragic than the death of school-girl Caroline Bacon. Caroline suffered a pulmonary embolism at the base of her brain - a known side effect of the mini-pill.

Caroline's parents were not informed that she was even on the pill since legislation passed in the UK gives girls as young as twelve complete confidentiality with their GP, excluding all possible intervention by their own parents.