Morning After Pill

Also called Plan B, the morning after pill, is two high dosage birth control pills. The pills are to be taken 12 hours apart, generally within 72 hours of intercourse. The MAP is actually just excess amounts of birth control pills taken at once. One type uses levonorgestrel, which is a type of progestin, while another uses a combination of progestin and estrogen.

How does MAP work?

There are three ways that MAP can work:

• by suppressing ovulation
• by thickening mucous in the cervix which blocks sperm passage
• by making the lining of the uterus hostile to implantation and causing abortion

In the third action, the woman's body rejects an already formed embryo, causing the embryo's death. This is called a chemical abortion.

What are the side effects?

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, irregular and unpredictable menstrual periods (especially when used more than once), ectopic pregnancies, breast tenderness, blood clot formation, and infertility.

There are no long-term studies to show whether women will be permanently damaged, or risk such diseases as cancer, from these chemicals being given in such high doses.

Resources: Heritage House '76, American Life League