You may already know this, but it was news to me.  The video, 28 Days on the Pill, outlines how the pill works to  “usually” prevent ovulation, and thicken cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the egg (if ovulation has occurred). According to the Christian producers of this film, the third way the pill works has been less talked about and can cause “embryonic abortion.” How?

If the woman ovulates, and the sperm does make it to the egg, conception occurs.  But the pill also makes the uterine wall become thinner, which can hinder implantation. And if the embryo cannot implant and dies, that means it’s aborted.

Some docs say the pill’s primary effect is inhibiting ovulation, and the bulk of the evidence says it does not affect implantation. Others say that if the woman ovulates, the uterine lining responds and thickens, not thins, thus not making the pill an abortifacient. Seems the bottom line is the pill can hinder implantation, but it’s not a given. The producers argue that regardless, women should be told of this possibility.  Women who believe life begins at conception in particular would want to know this. Fair enough.

But claiming the pill works as an abortifacient really depends on when you think life begins. At conception? Implantation? 1st trimester? 2nd trimester or when the embryo could potentially survive on its own? At birth? People may need to be more fully informed about how the pill works, but spreading the word that it causes abortion goes too far.  It is more accurate to say that if you believe life begins at conception, the pill may be a potential abortifacient.

Did you know this about the pill?  Do you think people are educated enough about how the pill works? Where do you stand on when life begins?

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