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Alabama Abortion Law Article
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The Difference Between Medication Abortion and Emergency Contraception
from:Both medication abortions and emergency contraception can involve taking pills. However, the similarity between medication abortions and emergency contraception ends there.
Hormonal emergency contraception is a pill or a few pills that is taken up to five days of unprotected sex. It prevents pregnancy. Emergency contraception stops pregnancy by preventing ovulation and fertilization. IUDs (Intrauterine devices) can also be used to prevent pregnancy, but are not the focus of this article.
Medication abortion is taken to end a pregnancy. It is taken during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. It ends a pregnancy by preventing the body’s release of progesterone, which thins the uterine lining. It also forces the uterus to contract and expel its contents.
Emergency contraception pills include Plan B, a specially formulated pill. You can also take varying dosages of combined hormone (not progestin-only) pills. Ask your medical professional for the exact doses of what to take. Plan B only includes hormones, and will not terminate an existing pregnancy. If you are pregnant, however, do not attempt to use emergency contraception.
Medication abortion is caused by one of two drugs: mifepristone or methotrexate. You will also take a second drug, misoprostal. These drugs terminate pregnancy.
The side effects of emergency contraception are much less serious than those of a medication abortion. The side effects of emergency contraception can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, and breast tenderness. The side effects of a medication abortion include heavy bleeding that lasts typically about two weeks. There is often cramping, varying from mild to heavy cramps. You can get pain medication to ease the cramping.
Anyone can get emergency contraception, even if you are under the age of 18. In some states, if you want to have an abortion, even a medication abortion, you need to have parental consent. Emergency contraception can cost between $30-$50, whereas a medication abortion can cost upwards of $250.
Both procedures are most effective when they are performed early on. If you have had unprotected sex, take emergency contraception within 24 hours if possible, though it will still work for up to five days after the act. If you are getting a medication abortion, make your appointment as soon as you have made your decision. This can lessen the cramping and side effects.
The best way to prevent pregnancy is to practice preventative birth control (and we all know that the best preventative birth control is abstinence). Research your birth control options to fit the one that best suits your lifestyle. Remember: emergency contraception is for emergencies, and abortions are for dire emergencies. Plan ahead to save yourself the physical and emotional troubles caused by unsafe sex.
Lilith Mill is an educator on safe birth control options. Check out The Guide to Birth Control, http://www.theguideto-birthcontrol.com, for information on hormonal and barrier birth control methods. Knowledge is power: keep yourself safe with the proper information.
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Alabama Abortion Law Specific links
Alabama Abortion Law News
Washington doctor speaks out against ban on late-term abortions - Washington Post
Washington doctor speaks out against ban on late-term abortions Washington Post Congress is weighing a law for the District that would ban all abortions after 20 weeks gestation. Willie Parker, a Washington-based obstetrician, is a doctor who has performed late-term abortions. He stands to be directly affected should that law pass ... What the hearing on the “District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child ... |
Biloxi Diocese among Catholic groups suing government over contraceptive ... - al.com (blog)
 al.com (blog) | Biloxi Diocese among Catholic groups suing government over contraceptive ... al.com (blog) Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi said because another legal challenge has been filed in Alabama federal courts on the same subject, by EWTN television network, it isn't necessary to bring additional litigation. Calling it an obnoxious attack on freedom of ... Catholic Church Attacks Birth-Control Mandate in Court |
An interview with a late term abortion provider - Washington Post (blog)
An interview with a late term abortion provider Washington Post (blog) Congress is currently weighing a law that would ban all abortions after 20 weeks in the District of Columbia. Willie Parker, a Washington-based obstetrician, is one doctor who has performed late-term abortions here and stands to be directly affected, ... |
TN, with few restrictions, attracts out-of-state women seeking abortions - The Tennessean
TN, with few restrictions, attracts out-of-state women seeking abortions The Tennessean Your pastor is voting for it, and I encourage you to vote for it,' ” Fowler asked. Look around at other Southern states, he urged: Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas all have stronger laws, he told them. “Because we have no laws, babies die. |
Committee OKs abortion bills - Times Daily
 CBC.ca | Committee OKs abortion bills Times Daily AP Two bills aimed at making it more difficult for a woman to get an abortion passed an Alabama House committee Wednesday. A public hearing was held in a Senate committee, but no vote was taken on another bill that is seen as a step toward banning ... Ala. House committee approves 2 abortion bills House committee OKs 2 bills to restrict abortions |
Mississippi lawmaker: Coat hanger abortions might come back. 'But hey...' - msnbc.com (blog)
Mississippi lawmaker: Coat hanger abortions might come back. 'But hey...' msnbc.com (blog) ... Governor Phil Bryant signed a law requiring doctors at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges in a local hospital. Mississippi has one clinic left, where, because of the state's anti-abortion climate, they commute to work from Alabama. |
Alabama Sends Bill Dropping Abortion Funds in Obamacare to Gov - LifeNews.com
 LifeNews.com | Alabama Sends Bill Dropping Abortion Funds in Obamacare to Gov LifeNews.com by Andrew Bair | Montgomery, AL | LifeNews.com | 5/9/12 4:47 PM Alabama is poised to join 16 other states in barring abortion funding in the state healthcare exchanges established under the Obama healthcare law. Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Senator ... Alabama “Opt-out” bill on way to Governor |