I am writing this letter in response to the Health Monitor, (St. Albert Gazette Aug. 5). Under the heading Morning-After Pill you write about the recent approval of the RU-486 abortion pill by Health Canada. As many people have strong and differing opinions on the topic of abortion, I feel it is very important to clarify that the "Morning After Pill" is NOT RU- 486 and is not an abortion pill.
The so-called morning after pill (also known as Plan B, Next Choice or Norlevo) is actually a high dose of the hormone progesterone. It has minimal side effects and essentially no contraindications to its use. A woman can take the morning after pill up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse in order to prevent a pregnancy. This is achieved through multiple mechanisms but primarily by suppressing ovulation. The morning after pill will not in any way damage an implanted pregnancy. It is available over the counter in most pharmacies, without a doctor's prescription, to anyone with approximately $30 in their pocket.
This is extremely important for our adolescent population who may find it difficult to see a healthcare practitioner. The easy availability of the morning after pill is a huge benefit to Canadian women and helps many to avoid the incredibly stressful decision making around an unwanted pregnancy. It should not be confused with a medication that will cause an implanted pregnancy to be terminated such as RU-486.
Thank you for allowing me to make this clarification.
Kellie Waters MD FRCPC, General Pediatrician
