Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Brigid Kowalczyk

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Lucky Mac wrote at 2007-12-28 19:43:39
I do agree: you shouldn't have to go on the pill/shot unless you really want to. Your parents shouldn't force you to do anything you don't want to do.



However, birth control pills do not induce abortion. Medical experts agree: pregnancy does not start until the egg is implanted in the uterus. Hormonal birth control prevents implantation; thus preventing pregnancy, not terminating it.



RU-486, the abortion pill, is not the same as the birth control pill. While used experimentally in some parts of the world, its use as an oral contraceptive is very limited. Birth control pills on the market today do not contain RU-486. Nor will birth control pills terminate an existing pregnancy.



In the end, it's up to you. You definitely shouldn't be forced to do something you don't want to do, and you should sit down and have a mature conversation with your parents about it. The information is at your fingertips, and you've made a decision. Now run with it.

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