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Morning-After Pills Aren't Abortion Pills, Says Science
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 5, 2012
Modified Jun 5, 2012
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 5, 2012
Modified Jun 5, 2012
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Remember that hubbub about making morning-after pills like Plan B over-the-counter (which the White House stopped the FDA from doing)? And how Mitt Romney calls them "abortive pills" (though he'll raise money in the home of an "abortive pill maker")? Well, now, according to the NY Times, it turns out that morning-after pills may actually just delay ovulation, versus blocking a fertilized egg from implanting itself into the wall of the uterus.
The Times reports, "It turns out that the politically charged debate over morning-after pills and abortion, a divisive issue in this election year, is probably rooted in outdated or incorrect scientific guesses about how the pills work. Because they block creation of fertilized eggs, they would not meet abortion opponents’ definition of abortion-inducing drugs. In contrast, RU-486 is an abortion pill because it destroys implanted embryos, terminating pregnancies."
Even though scientists say studies show that Plan B does not prevent implantation, many abortion opponents aren't wavering and wonder if those scientists are just saying that before they are pro-choice. (Morning-after pills would be banned in personhood initiatives.)
Further, the Times reminds us about the process of fertilization: "Scientists say the pills work up to five days after sex, primarily stalling an egg’s release until sperm can no longer fertilize it. Although many people think sperm and egg unite immediately after sex, sperm need time to position themselves."
Tagged
birds and the bees
morning after pill
ovulation
science
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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