Birth Control / Contraceptives
Have you ever noticed that multi-million dollar advertising campaigns for the birth control pill put more emphasis on the theory that it clears up acne than its real purpose?
How many women would take a drug to treat acne, if the possible side affects were weight gain, depression, increased irritability, reduced sexual desire and a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, breast cancer and more? These are all possible side-effects of the pill.
Contraception is a touchy subject. Even the companies that sell it, gloss over its main function and possible side effects – especially that some contraceptives may cause abortions.
In this section, we will cover:
- How Contraceptives Cause Abortions
- How Does The Pill Work?
- Contraceptives That Act as Abortifacients
- Other Forms of Contraception
- More Contraception Leads to More Abortions
- The Acne Question
How Contraceptives Cause Abortions
Abortifacient = a drug or device that induces an abortion
Certain contraceptives act as abortifacients by preventing the fertilized egg (conceived child) from implanting in the uterine wall. The drug or device causes the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to become hard, slippery or irritated so the conceived child does not implant in the uterus and is expelled from the woman’s body. Contraceptives that can act as abortifacients are:
- The Pill
- IUD (Inter-Uterine Device)
- Depo-provera (Injection)
- Lunelle (Injection)
- The Implant–Implanon (replacement for Norplant)
- Emergency Contraception (EC, “The Morning After Pill)
No form of contraception is 100 percent guaranteed. Contraceptives cannot protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The Conception Deception
Abortion industry proponents argue that life does not begin until the fertilized egg is “implanted” in the womb, so therefore, these contraceptives do not cause abortions. Do not give in to this fraud. The “life begins at implantation” argument was created for political purposes and is contrary to scientific and medical fact. Life begins at conception, when a unique individual is created.
How Does The Pill Work?
The Pill is the most popular form of birth control, but it is controversial because it can also act as an abortifacient.
The Pill (Combination Pill)
A pill that suppresses ovulation by the combined actions of the hormones estrogen and progestin. A chewable form was approved in November 2003. It must be taken on daily schedule, regardless of frequency of intercourse.
The Pill has three effects on the body:
- Suppresses ovulation
- Changes mucus (prevents sperm and egg from meeting)
- As an Abortifacient: Hardens the endometrium (lining of the uterus), preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall – thus, causing an abortion.
Pregnancy rate:
1-2 pregnancies per 100 women per year with perfect use. Pregnancy rate is higher for irregular use and higher for women who are overweight.
Common side effects:
Weight gain, nausea, mood swings, depression, breast pain, reduced sex drive.
Serious Risks:
Blood clots, high blood pressure, strokes, liver tumors, ovarian cysts, breast cancer and migraines. Women who smoke, are over age 35, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer are more at risk for dangerous side effects and may not be able to take The Pill.
Mini Pill (Progestin only)
A pill containing only the hormone progestin that reduces and thickens cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Must be taken on daily schedule, regardless of frequency of intercourse. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Pregnancy rate:
2 pregnancies per 100 women per year with perfect use. Pregnancy rate is higher for irregular use.
Common side effects:
Irregular periods, weight gain, nausea, mood swings, depression, breast pain, reduced sex drive.
Serious Risks:
Ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cists, blood clots, high blood pressure, strokes, liver tumors, migraines. Women who smoke, are over age 35, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer are more at risk for dangerous side effects and may not be able to take The Pill or Mini Pill.
Contraceptives that Act as Abortifacients
In addition to The Pill and Mini-Pill, there are many other contraceptives that can abort a child:
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
A T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a health professional.Some IUDs release active chemicals, such as progestin or copper, which has the same effects as the pill in suppressing ovulation, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting and preventing implantation. After insertion by physician, the IUD can remain in place for up to one or 10 years, depending on type. If the IUD moves out of place, it may have to be removed by a surgical procedure. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Pregnancy rate:
Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year, if the IUD stays in place.
Common side effects:
Painful cramping, bleeding, anemia.
Serious Risks:
Pelvic inflammatory disease, perforation of uterus, damage to other internal organs, ectopic pregnancy, infertility. In the 1970s, the Dalkon Shield IUD was recalled from the market, because it resulted in the deaths of at least 12 women. Since then, other IUDs have taken its place.
Injection (Depo-Provera, DMPA or “The Shot”)
An injectable progestin that inhibits ovulation, prevents sperm from reaching the egg, and prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. One injection every three months. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Pregnancy rate:
Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year. Women who become pregnant on Depo-Provera risk fetal deformity and infant mortality.
Common side effects:
Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast pain, headaches, dizziness, nervousness, rash or skin discoloration, depression, increase or decrease in facial and body hair, hair loss, reduced sex drive. Can take a year to get pregnant after discontinuing use.
Serious Risks:
Osteoporosis (from loss of bone mass), breast cancer, cervical cancer, jaundice, blood clots, infertility.
Injection (Lunelle)
An injectable form of progestin and estrogen. One injection every month. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Pregnancy rate:
Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year
Common side effects:
Vaginal bleeding, weight gain, acne, nausea, headache, change in appetite, dizziness, mood swings, depression, breast pain, hair loss, reduced sex drive.
Serious Risks:
Osteoporosis, blood clots, high blood pressure, strokes, fluid retention, liver tumors, ovarian cysts, vaginal infections, breast cancer, vision problems, speech problems, gall bladder disease, migraines.
The Implant (Implanon)
A matchstick-sized plastic rod surgically implanted under the skin of the upper arm that steadily releases progestin (etonogestrel). Implanted and removed by health-care provider in minor outpatient surgical procedure; effective for up to five years. This was the replacement for Norplant, which was pulled from the market by the maker of Norplant in 2002. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Pregnancy rate:
n.a.
Common side effects:
Menstrual periods may become irregular and unpredictable; weight gain, acne, headaches, mood swings, anxiety, breast pain, nausea, dizziness, back pain, pain at the injection area, reduced sex drive.
Serious Risks:
Blood clots in the legs and/or lungs, vision problems (from retinal vein thrombosis), strokes and heart attacks, dark spots on skin around face. In addition, other problems may occur when Implanon is inserted or removed, such as: formation of scar tissue around the implant, infection, need for surgical removal in a hospital.
The Patch (Ortho Evra)
Skin patch worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body that releases the hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. New patch is applied once a week for three weeks. Patch is not worn during the fourth week, and woman has a menstrual period. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Pregnancy rate:
1-2 pregnancies per 100 women per year (Appears to be less effective in women weighing more than 198 pounds.)
Common side effects:
Headaches, nausea, mood swings, weight gain, breast pain, bleeding.
Serious Risks:
Includes blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, cervical cancer. According to the manufacturer, Ortho Evra will expose the user to 60 percent more estrogen than an ordinary birth control pill, increasing the risks of blood clots in the legs and/or the lungs. In at least one study, the risks were double that of an ordinary birth control pill.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
A foreign body made of a non-reactive plastic inserted into the uterus to prevent implantation of the developing human being. Some IUD’s include active chemicals, such as progesterone or copper, which slowly diffuse into the uterus for an enhanced abortifacient effect.
The Ring (Nuva Ring)
A flexible ring about two inches in diameter that is inserted into the vagina and releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. Inserted by the woman; remains in the vagina for three weeks, then is removed for one week. If ring is expelled and remains out for more than three hours, another birth control method must be used until ring has been used continuously for seven days. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Pregnancy rate:
1-2 pregnancies per 100 women per year
Common side effects:
Vaginal discharge, vaginitis, irritation, weight gain, nausea, mood swings, depression, breast pain, reduced sex drive.
Serious Risks:
Blood clots, high blood pressure, strokes, liver tumors, ovarian cysts, breast cancer and migraines.
Emergency Contraceptives, The Morning After Pill (Brands: Plan B and Preven)
Emergency Contraception is essentially a high dosage of the hormone found in The Pill, containing either progestin alone or progestin plus estrogen. May act as an abortifacient by hardening or irritating the uterine lining and expelling a conceived child.
Plan B is a specific brand which contains the hormone progestin levonorgestrel, a high dosage of the same ingredient found in many birth control pills, without the estrogen. Preven contains progestin plus estrogen. Emergency Contraception must be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected intercourse.
Pregnancy rate:
Proponents of Plan B said it is 89 percent effective, while combined estrogen and progesterone emergency contraception is around 75 percent effective. However a doctor from the FDA who opposed Plan B, pointed out a flaw in the research: there are certain times of the month where a woman is infertile and not likely to get pregnant. The “89 percent effective” number included women who took Plan B during their cycle when they were least likely to get pregnant. When women were actually fertile, Plan B was only 51-60 percent effective.
Common side effects:
Nausea, weight gain, mood swings, depression, breast pain, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, diarrhea.
Serious Risks:
(Similar to The Pill): Blood clots, high blood pressure, strokes, liver tumors, ovarian cysts, breast cancer and migraines. Women who smoke, are over age 35, or have a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer are more at risk for dangerous side effects.
Wide distribution of Plan B can increase the number of abortions. In Britain, where they have already been distributing Plan B, a recent study from the British Department of Health showed about 2,400 girls who were 13 or under were given Plan B without their parents’ knowledge. At the same time, abortions in Britain increased by 6,000 in one year, the biggest increase was in girls under 16.
Other Forms of Contraception
Over-the-Counter (Barrier Methods)
Condom
A sheath placed over the erect penis blocking the passage of sperm. Applied immediately before intercourse; used only once and discarded. Comes in latex or polyurethane for those with latex sensitivity.
Pregnancy rate:
11 pregnancies per 100 women per year
Common side effects:
irritation, allergic reactions
Female Condom
A lubricated polyurethane sheath shaped similarly to the male condom. The closed end has a flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina. Applied immediately before intercourse; used only once and discarded.
Pregnancy rate:
21 pregnancies per 100 women per year
Common side effects:
irritation, allergic reactions
Sponge
A disk-shaped polyurethane device containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Inserted before intercourse and protects for repeated acts of intercourse for 24 hours without additional spermicide; must be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse; must be removed within 30 hours of insertion. Discarded after use.
Pregnancy rate:
14-28 pregnancies per 100 women per year
Common Side Effects:
Irritation and allergic reactions, yeast infections, difficulty in removal.
Serious Risks:
Toxic shock syndrome, which could result in death.
Spermicide alone
A foam, cream, jelly, film, suppository, or tablet that contains nonoxynol-9, a sperm-killing chemical. Instructions vary. Inserted between five and 90 minutes before intercourse and usually left in place at least six to eight hours after.
Pregnancy rate:
20-50 pregnancies per 100 women per year
Common Side Effects:
Irritation and allergic reactions.
Serious Risks:
Urinary tract infections. Nonoxynol-9 may cause sores or wearing down the vaginal and rectal lining, leaving users more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.
Other Contraception – Prescription
Diaphragm
A dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that covers the cervix so that sperm cannot reach the uterus. A spermicide is applied to the diaphragm before insertion. Inserted before intercourse and left in place at least six hours after; can be left in place for 24 hours, with additional spermicide for repeated intercourse.
Pregnancy rate:
17 pregnancies per 100 women per year
Common Side Effects:
Irritation and allergic reactions.
Serious Risks:
Toxic shock syndrome, which could result in death; urinary tract infections. Nonoxynol-9 in spermicide may cause sores or wearing down the vaginal and rectal lining, leaving users more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.
Lea’s Shield
A dome-shaped rubber disk with a valve and a loop that is held in place by the vaginal wall. Covers the upper vagina and cervix so that sperm cannot reach the uterus. Spermicide is applied before insertion. Inserted before intercourse and left in place at least eight hours after; can be left in place for up to 48 hours, with additional spermicide for repeated intercourse.
Pregnancy rate:
15 pregnancies per 100 women per year
Common Side Effects:
Skin irritation, spotting, discomfort. Irritation and allergic reactions.
Serious Risks:
Toxic shock syndrome, which could result in death; urinary tract infection. Nonoxynol-9 in spermicide may cause sores or wearing down the vaginal and rectal lining, leaving users more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.
Cervical Cap
A soft rubber cup with a round rim, which fits snugly around the cervix. May be difficult to insert; can remain in place for 48 hours without reapplying spermicide for repeated intercourse.
Pregnancy rate:
Prentiff Cap – 17 pregnancies per 100 women per year
FemCap – 23 pregnancies per 100 women per year.
Common Side Effects:
Irritation and allergic reactions, abnormal Pap test.
Serious Risks:
Toxic shock syndrome, which could result in death; urinary tract infection. Nonoxynol-9 in spermicide may cause sores or wearing down the vaginal and rectal lining, leaving users more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.
Permanent
Sterilization – Trans-abdominal surgical (Falope Ring, Hulka Clip, Filshie Clip) or “Tubes Tied”
The woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked so the egg and sperm can’t meet in the fallopian tube, preventing conception. One-time surgical procedure that requires an abdominal incision.
Pregnancy rate:
Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year
Serious Risks:
Pain, bleeding, infection, other post-surgical complications, uterine perforation, ectopic pregnancy.
Sterilization Implant (Essure)
Small metallic implant that is placed into the fallopian tubes. The device works by causing scar tissue to form, blocking the fallopian tubes and preventing conception. Minor surgical procedure, permanent sterilization. Device is inserted through the vagina using a catheter. Women must rely on another birth control method during the first three months, until placement is confirmed with an X-ray procedure.
Pregnancy rate:
Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year
Common Side Effects:
Mild to moderate pain after insertion
Serious Risks:
Ectopic pregnancy.
Vasectomy
Sealing, tying, or cutting a man’s vas deferens so that the sperm can’t travel from the testicles to the penis. One-time surgical procedure.
Pregnancy rate:
Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year
Serious Risks:
Pain, bleeding, infection, other minor postsurgical complications, prostate cancer.
Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, contraceptive manufacturer websites
More Contraception Leads to More Abortions
Free or state-sponsored contraceptive distribution programs do not reduce the number of abortions – they increase them. Why? Because contraception fails. The Supreme Court in its Planned Parenthood vs. Casey decision, admits the failure of contraception:
“In some critical respects abortion is of the same character as the decision to use contraception…. For two decades of economic and social developments, people have organized intimate relationships and made choices that define their views of themselves and their places in society, in reliance on the availability of abortion in the event that contraception should fail.”
United State Supreme Court Planned Parenthood vs. Casey (6/29/92)
The Alan Guttmacher Institute, the research arm of Planned Parenthood ranks Iowa as 48th in the nation in birth control availability. At the same time, Iowa has one of the lowest teen abortion rates in the nation, with just 12 abortions / 1,000 teens. Other Midwest states that also ranked low on Guttmacher’s list had similarly low teen abortion rates:
South Dakota (#40 – 7 abortions/1,000 teens)
Kansas (#42 – 12 abortions/1,000 teens)
Iowa (#42 – 12 abortions/1,000 teens)
Indiana (#49 – 12 abortions/1,000 teens)
North Dakota (#50 – 8 abortions/1,000 teens)
Nebraska (#51* – 12 abortions/1,000 teens)
* Nebraska is ranked #51, because the District of Columbia was included in the study.
Planned Parenthood opened a clinic in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 2001. From 2001-2004, abortions in the four-county area around the clinic rose 10 percent, while abortions statewide went down.
(Source: Minnesota Health Department and Planned Parenthood Hurts Girls – www.pphurtsgirls.org)
Other Facts:
- Only 8% of all abortions are performed on women who have never used contraception.
- 54% of women having abortions used contraception that month.
(Source: www.alanguttmacher.org)
The Acne Question
Can birth control pills clear up acne?
Acne can be created by an increase of male hormones in the body – it usually shows up at the times in life when hormones surge, such as adolescence, during pregnancy and menopause. Every body has both male and female hormones. An increase in male hormones causes the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil that is trapped with dirt and dead skin cells, leading to acne outbreaks.
Birth control pills release artificial female hormones (estrogen and or progestin) that, in theory, will restrict the ovaries from producing too much male hormone.
Ortho Tri-cyclen, approved by the Food & Drug Administration to treat “mild” or “moderate” acne in patients over age 15, lists among the risks on its manufacturer’s website as: “blood clots, stroke and heart attacks.”
(Sources: Food & Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/nda/96/020681ap.pdf; Ortho Tri-Cyclen website: www.orthotricyclen.com)
Why Birth Control Pills Are Not a Good Treatment for Acne:
1. Not a permanent solution. Once you go off the pill, the acne may return and be worse than before.
2. Risks are worse than acne: blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, liver tumors, ovarian cysts, migraines
3. Other bad side effects: weight gain, nausea, mood swings, depression
Article source:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/all-the-pro-life-facts-about-hormonal-contraception-that-you-probably-dont
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