Letter in Response to NY Times Article of June 6, 2012, "No Abortion Role Seen for Morning-After Pill"

UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
SECRETARIAT OF PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES



SUBMITTED TO NEW YORK TIMES BY E-MAIL
(Not published by the Times)


June 7, 2012

Dear Editors:

The Times' front-page article on "emergency contraceptives" (June 6, A1) quotes me as expressing uncertainty whether they can block implantation of a newly conceived embryo.  In fact I was speaking only about the drug known as "Plan B."  I then said there is strong evidence for an abortifacient effect of Ella (ulipristal), before and after implantation.  For example, Ella is extremely similar to the abortion pill RU-486 in formula and physiological effects; there is no dosage found safe for pregnant women; and in animal tests the European Medicines Agency found it "embryotoxic at low doses." 

Interestingly, the Times cites scientists as saying that another emergency contraceptive, the copper IUD, can block implantation.

Whatever the uncertainties about Plan B, then, the Administration's mandate for health plans to cover all "emergency contraceptives" requires Catholic organizations and individuals to ignore their teaching on abortion, not just on contraception. 

Sincerely,

Richard M. Doerflinger
Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Washington, DC