A nursing post!
Since America and Canada are two different countries, with very different lived experiences for citizens, I thought I would make a "public health announcement," since this topic (and others) seems to be high in the American media right now. I know that in posting this, I risk raising a controversial topic; however, all I am doing is presenting evidence and knowledge. The information provided is also similar to a progestin-only IUD (Mirena).
Medical Abortion is NOT the same as ECP (Emergency Contraceptive Pill)
There are numerous misconceptions regarding ECP and medical abortions among health professionals and clients alike. The most significant difference to note is that medical abortions terminate an already existing pregnancy, whereas ECP preventsa pregnancy from happening. While both methods are safe and effective, there are differences in usage and mechanisms of action. Medical abortion uses a medication regimen to induce a miscarriage by either blocking the hormones responsible for continuing pregnancy, stopping the implantation process from continuing, or causing the uterus to contract and empty. ECP is not RU486 (the "abortion pill"). RU486 is currently not available in Canada (but other medical abortions are).
ECP prevents pregnancy by inhibiting or delaying ovulation, inhibiting tubal transport of the egg and or sperm, or altering the lining of the uterus, depending on the time during the menstrual cycle (Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, 2008).
Progestin-only ECP will not interrupt an established pregnancy (defined as beginning when a pre-embryo becomes implanted within the uterine lining) (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1998). Therefore, it is not an abortifacient. ECP will not harm a developing fetus or cause an abortion (Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, 2008).
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That's it for now.
Learn the science and the reasoning behind it: "...From a public health perspective, the provision of Emergency contraceptive pill is an essential, cost-effective service that empowers the public to take control of their health needs and outcomes by preventing unintended pregnancies."
Medical Abortion is NOT the same as ECP (Emergency Contraceptive Pill)
There are numerous misconceptions regarding ECP and medical abortions among health professionals and clients alike. The most significant difference to note is that medical abortions terminate an already existing pregnancy, whereas ECP preventsa pregnancy from happening. While both methods are safe and effective, there are differences in usage and mechanisms of action. Medical abortion uses a medication regimen to induce a miscarriage by either blocking the hormones responsible for continuing pregnancy, stopping the implantation process from continuing, or causing the uterus to contract and empty. ECP is not RU486 (the "abortion pill"). RU486 is currently not available in Canada (but other medical abortions are).
ECP prevents pregnancy by inhibiting or delaying ovulation, inhibiting tubal transport of the egg and or sperm, or altering the lining of the uterus, depending on the time during the menstrual cycle (Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, 2008).
Progestin-only ECP will not interrupt an established pregnancy (defined as beginning when a pre-embryo becomes implanted within the uterine lining) (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1998). Therefore, it is not an abortifacient. ECP will not harm a developing fetus or cause an abortion (Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, 2008).
----------------
That's it for now.
Learn the science and the reasoning behind it: "...From a public health perspective, the provision of Emergency contraceptive pill is an essential, cost-effective service that empowers the public to take control of their health needs and outcomes by preventing unintended pregnancies."
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