Frequently Asked Questions:
  • What is Abstinence?
    Abstinence is a voluntary restraint from indulging a desire or appetite for certain bodily activities, generally the term refers to abstention from sexual intercourse, alcohol or food. The practice can arise from religious prohibitions or practical considerations. Back to Top
  • What about the morning after pill?
    Emergency contraception (EC), or emergency postcoital contraception, refers to contraceptive measures that, if taken after unprotected sexual intercourse, may prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)—sometimes simply referred to as emergency contraceptives (ECs) or the "morning-after pill"—are drugs that act both to prevent ovulation or fertilization and possibly post-fertilization implantation of a blastocyst (embryo). ECPs are distinct from medical abortion methods that act after implantation.
    As its name implies, EC is intended for occasional use, when primary means of contraception fail. Since EC methods act before implantation, they are medically and legally considered forms of contraception. Some pro-life groups define pregnancy as beginning with fertilization, and consider EC to be an     abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion).
    The phrase "morning-after pill" is figurative; ECPs are licensed for use up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse.     Back to Top