Morning-after pill: Plan B One-StepTM is intended to prevent pregnancy after known or suspected contraceptive failure, unprotected intercourse or forced sex. Plan B consists of one pill taken within 72 hours of sex. Side effects may include changes in periods, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and dizziness.

ella® is an emergency contraceptive for use within 5 days of unprotected sex. The most common adverse reactions of ella® include headache, nausea, stomach pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue and dizziness.

Combination estrogen and progestin pills uses birth control pills taken in much higher concentrations than found in a normal daily dose. Typical side effects include nausea, vomiting, lower abdominal pain and breast tenderness. Adverse effects associate with methods of combination pills include blood clots, stroke and heart attack.3

References sourced in Before You Decide, 2011 (free copies available upon request)

RU-486: Abortion Pill usually requires 3 medical office visits. On the first visit, the woman is given pills (mifepristone) that cause the death of the embryo. Two days later, if the abortion has not occurred, she is given a second drug (Misoprostol) which causes cramping that expels the embryo. The last visit is to determine if the procedure has been completed. Risks associated with medication abortion (Mifeprex / Mifepristone, RU-$*^ with Misoprostol): Bleeding, Infection, Undiagnosed ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, failed abortion (needing a surgical abortion to complete a failed medication abortion) risk of fetal malformations, continuation of pregnancy.

Misoprostol Only uses only the second drug given in the RU-486 method. It is typically inserted vaginally, requires repeated doses and has a significantly high failure rate that the RU-486 method. It is associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and with potential birth defects (central nervous system and limb defects) in pregnancies that continue.

Methotrexate is FDA-approved for treating certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis, but is used ‘off-label’ to treat ectopic pregnancies and induce abortion. Side effects include mouth ulcers, low white blood cell count, nausea, abdominal distress, fatigue, chills, fever, dizziness, decreased resistance to infection and anemia.

References sourced in Before You Decide, 2011 (free copies available upon request)

Suction abortion (4 to 15 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP)

Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) (about 13 to 24 weeks LMP) Up to about 16 weeks gestation, the procedure is identical to the first trimester one. After the cervix is stretched open and the uterine contents are suctioned out, any remaining fetal parts are removed with a grasping too (forceps). A curette (a loop-shaped tool) may also be used to scrape out any remaining tissue. After 16 weeks, much of the procedure is done with the forceps to pull fetal parts out through the cervical opening, as suction alone will not work due to the fetus’ size. …Lastly, a curette and /or the suction machine are used to remove any remaining tissue or blood clots, which left behind could cause infection and bleeding.

Methotrexate is FDA-approved for treating certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis, but is used ‘off-label’ to treat ectopic pregnancies and induce abortion. Side effects include mouth ulcers, low white blood cell count, nausea, abdominal distress, fatigue, chills, fever, dizziness, decreased resistance to infection and anemia.

References sourced in Before You Decide, 2011 (free copies available upon request)

Induced Abortion uses medicines to cause labor and eventual delivery of the fetus and placenta. This procedure typically involves 10-24 hours in a hospital’s labor and delivery unit. Potential complications include hemorrhage and the need for blood transfusion, retained placenta and possible uterine rupture.

D & E when live birth is possible (from about 24 weeks and up). This process typically takes 2-3 days and is associated with increased risk to the life and health of the mother.

References sourced in Before You Decide, 2011 (free copies available upon request)

• Heavy Bleeding
• Infection
• Anesthesia
• Damage to the Organs

References sourced in Before You Decide, 2011 (free copies available upon request)

• Abortion & Preterm Birth
• Abortion & Breast Cancer
• Psychological / Emotional Impact (5 to 25 years later)
• Relationship Problems
• Spiritual / Personal Values Issues

References sourced in Before You Decide, 2011 (free copies available upon request)