What is Plan B? (emergency contraceptive) and why are they trying to ban it?
Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is a type of emergency contraception intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g., a condom breaking). It contains a hormone called levonorgestrel, which is a synthetic form of progesterone. Plan B is available over the counter in many places and can be taken without a prescription.
Here’s how it works:
Timing: Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. It works best within 72 hours (3 days) but can be taken up to 5 days after. However, its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait.
Mechanism: Plan B primarily works by preventing or delaying ovulation, so there’s no egg available for fertilization. It may also make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg if ovulation has already occurred.
Effectiveness: While Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy, it’s not 100% effective. It’s less effective than regular birth control methods and is not intended to be a primary method of contraception.
Side Effects: Some people may experience side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and menstrual changes after taking Plan B. Menstrual changes can last up to several weeks.
It’s important to note that Plan B is not an abortion pill; it won’t affect an existing pregnancy. If fertilization and implantation have already occurred, Plan B will not be effective.
The far right is trying to ban Plan B. Here’s why:
Misunderstanding: Some wrongly believe Plan B is like an abortion pill, though it just prevents ovulation and doesn’t affect existing pregnancies.
Moral Opposition: Certain groups see any interference with fertilization as morally wrong.
Broader Anti-Reproductive Agenda: Some lawmakers aim to restrict all forms of reproductive autonomy, not just abortion.
Political Appeal: For some, opposing Plan B aligns them with conservative, anti-abortion voters.
In reality, Plan B is safe, effective, and simply helps prevent unplanned pregnancies.
What About Ella?
Ella is another type of emergency contraception that works differently than Plan B and can be more effective in certain situations. While Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone, Ella’s active ingredient is ulipristal acetate, which blocks the effects of progesterone in the body. This difference means Ella can delay ovulation more effectively, even when ovulation is closer to occurring, which is when Plan B might not work as well.
Click through to the next pages to learn more about Ella
