Emergency Contraception The Morning After Pill example essay topic

Emergency Contraception The morning after pill is a regimen of high doses of standard birth control that can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. The sooner the woman takes it, the more effective it is: 90% after the first 24 hours, 75% after the first 48, and 50% after 72 hours. The pills work by preventing the release of the egg into the ovary which is called ovulation. If the egg has already been released then the hormone prevents the egg from sticking to the inside of the uterus by causing inflammation, not giving it a chance to be fertilized. This medication is not an abortion pill which it is often mistaken for. It simply acts exactly the same as standard birth control preventing conception in the first place.

I believe that this medication could have a great deal of impact on the rates of unwanted births and pregnancy if the public is better educated about what it is and how it works. Abortion is a touchy subject that even many supporters believe is something that should only be used as a last resort such as in cases of rape. With the morning after pill, the rape victim will have the peace of mind that she is not terminating a pregnancy that is as much a part of them as it is of the offender. Pro-life groups and pro-choice groups have argued abortion since it was made legal in the Roe vs. Wade case. As we have learned throughout history, theses settlements of these controversial areas rarely please both sides. The pro-life groups believe that no child should be killed at the hand of a doctor and pro-choice groups believe that no woman should be denied the right to choose what happens to her body.

Who's right? Is there a correct stance on this issue? Is it okay for a child to be terminated purely because he or she is an in convenience? Is it okay for a woman who is violated to have her life further complicated by caring for a child who is a constant reminder of her trauma? The problem comes when both of these questions can be answered with no.

I believe that it is not right for an innocent human being to be killed and it is not right for a woman to have a child against her will. So, what can be done in these unexpected situations? As human beings, we all make mistakes but it is also our responsibility to deal with the consequences. Whether it be a drunk driver who gets his license revoked or young girl having sex before she is emotionally ready to deal with the outcome becoming pregnant one should never neglect the matter when another person is being affected by his or her decisions. However, it is not fair for a child to have to have unfit parents either. The morning after pill offers another option in correcting lapses of judgement that does not inconvenience the woman or take a human life.

As of now the morning after pill can be prescribed to any girl fourteen years or older without parental consent. It is most often Preven or Plan B. These medications contain the hormones progesterone or estrogen. The most common side effect is nausea. The doctor will give the woman three doses to take every twelve hours, the number of pills depending on the brand of medication. The cost ranges from $8 to $40 depending on ones insurance policy. Doctors and other health professionals also believe that this is a step toward eliminating abortions.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of a popular radio show called Love line has been dealing with teen sexuality through his career and believes that, "If we are at all interested in helping advocate on behalf of the health of our young people, we should be urging that they have this pill available". He is also an advocate of keeping the child if pregnancy does occur which shows that a doctor who is well educated on emergency contraception supports its use in society to help prevent abortion. The morning after pill is something that needs to be readily available to teenagers, encouraging its use whenever possible. My mother is a neo natal nurse and comes home with stories from work about a fourteen year old girl having a child, her 24 year old uncle being the father.

Does this child deserve to live in such a family? Maybe if this girl had been better informed she would been able to prevent the child's creation. Informing the public is necessary to let people know exactly what their options are and enabling them to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and their futures.