EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
Emergency contraception is any type of birth control used after unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure to attempt to prevent pregnancy.
Emergency Contraception
Commonly sold as Plan B One-Step and ella®, also knows as the morning after pill, these emergency contraceptives may reduce the chance of pregnancy. These medications work in several possible ways: Delaying ovulation, blocking sperm from joining with an egg, or preventing a fertilized egg from implanting – some may consider this a very early abortion.
Emergency contraception does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and there are potential risks and side effects to be considered.
Plan B - The Morning After Pill
Not as well as was originally advertised. It is intended for use within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. Studies done since it was released over the counter, say that “it is more effective than nothing.”
Should I take the morning-after pill?
You can only become pregnant on certain days of the month — around the time that you ovulate. Taking the morning-after pill during a time when you cannot become pregnant needlessly exposes you to a large dose of hormones and costs you money.
If you are already pregnant from an earlier sexual encounter, taking the morning-after pill is of no value and may cause unpleasant side effects.
Contact us to find out if you are pregnant. We can give you information and schedule a free pregnancy test appointment .
Can the morning-after pill cause an abortion?
Taking Plan B One-Step® after fertilization may prevent the newly formed life from settling into the uterus and continuing to grow, which some consider a form of early abortion.
What are the side effects and risks?
Like any medication, risks and side effects are not the same for everyone who takes the morning-after pill. Plan B One-Step® can cause nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, heavier menstrual bleeding, and dizziness.
Your body and health are important, so take time to make the best decision. Please contact us to ask your questions and have a confidential discussion about your options if you are pregnant.
ELLA®
If ella® is taken as directed, it will reduce the chance of pregnancy, but it is not effective in every case.
Should I take ella® (ulipristal)?
You can only become pregnant on certain days of the month — around the time that you ovulate. Taking ella® during a time when you cannot become pregnant needlessly exposes you to a drug for which there is much that is unknown.
To find out if you are pregnant, contact us. We can give you information and schedule a free pregnancy test appointment.
Can ella® cause an abortion?
Taking ella® after fertilization has taken place may prevent the newly formed life from settling into the uterus and continuing to grow, which some consider a form of early abortion.
There is something else to know about ella®. Unlike Plan B, ella® is a chemical cousin to the abortion pill Mifeprex™. Both have the ability to damage the embryo’s attachment to the uterus, causing its death.
This effect on growing pregnancies was not tested in women, however a higher dose of ella® did cause abortions in pregnant animals, including monkeys, and carries the same potential in humans.
Does ella® have side effects and risks?
There are reports of liver failure among women who have been given ulipristal to shrink their fibroids.
Please contact us to get more information and to learn about side effects and risks. Your body and health are important, so take time to make the best decision.
NOTE: We offer accurate information about all your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services or emergency contraception. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
Dr. Stephen Richardson
Medical Director
Pregnancy Center Services
If you are not within our geographic region, you can find a Pregnancy Center near you.