Levonorgestrel is a drug that can be taken after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It is commonly referred to as "emergency contraception." It is controversial because there is some ambiguity about its mechanism of action. Some people believe it works by preventing the implantation of a fertilized ovum and thus causes an abortion. (Scientific evidence suggests that, instead, it works by inhibiting ovulation.) Those who think that levonorgestrel causes abortion sometimes claim conscientiously object to prescribing or recommending it. Diane Plantz, bioethicist and ER physician, reviews both the scientific evidence for the mechanism of action of levonorgestrel and the American Academy of Pediatrics position statement on conscientious objection in clinical practice.

POWERPOINT

REFERENCES

WEBSITE