Emergency Contraception: The Morning-After Pill

What is it?

Emergency contraception (also know ast eh morning-after pill or EC) is a high dosage of the birth control pill. Those who promote EC claim it may be used after sexual intercourse, over a period of 72 hours, to prevent pregnancy. But there are things these people aren't telling you.

EC consists of multiple doses of pills taken at specific time intervals. Pills used for "emergency contraception" contain the same steroids found in the typical birth control pill. But no studies have been done on these pills' impact. Despite potentially harmful effects on women, especially on still-developing teen girls, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved EC, even making one version available without a prescription for women over 17.

How does it work?

EC has three possible ways in which it can work:

1. Ovulation is inhibited, meaning an egg will not be released.
2. The normal menstrual cycle is altered, delaying ovulation.
3. The lining of the uterus is thinned, so that if the first and second actions fail, and a child is created, this tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can actually attach to the lining of the uterus. In this third action, the woman's body rejects the tiny baby and the child will die. This is called a chemical abortion.

Is it safe?

No. Here are some of the side effects:

• nausea
• vomiting
• breast tenderness
• ectopic pregnancy (can be life threatening)
• blood clot formation

Emergency contraception also leaves a woman vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. There are also long-term studies to show if women could be permanently injured or risk getting such diseases as cancer, form these chemicals being given in such high doses.Some people may try to convince you that emergency contraception is totally without risk. But that is not true. EC could be harmful to you. It also has the potential to abort your baby - without you ever know.

Chastity is the best choice for single people. It helps you stay healthy and assures that you will not be faced with so-called emergency in the first place. If you are married, be faithful to your spouse; and if you really have sufficient reason to avoid having a baby right now, learn about the natural family planning.

Why take chances with physical or emotional health when you have such excellent options?

Be good to yourself. Don't use the morning-after pill.