Morning-after Pill

The "morning after pill" is typically used after coitus. The term "morning after pill" is a misnomer for several reasons. First of all, the method involves taking four pills, not one pill. These pills contain a combination of high concentrations of progesterone and estrogen. Second, you can use this method of birth control at least 72 hours after intercourse. Third, it really is not a contraceptive if you really think about the definition of the word contraception.

The "morning-after pill" is not recommended as a routine birth control measure. In an unusual gesture, in 1996 the Food and Drug Administration announced oral contraceptives to be safe and effective. As you conduct research on the "morning-after pill," also known as "post-coital contraception" method, consider these questions:

• How effective is this method of "contraception?"
• How does the "morning-after pill" work?
• What are some of the objections being raised on college campuses about the use of the "morning-after pill?"
• Why are US drug firms reluctant to produce other versions of the "morning-after pill"

This method of birth control is used as a backup system when other forms of birth control are ineffective or nonexistent.

• Under what situations could or should this system of birth control be used?