Levonorgestrel in cases of rape: How does it work?

Abstract

The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services allows the use of an emergency contraceptive for a woman who has been raped, as a defense against her attacker's sperm, provided the drug prevents fertilization and does not act against a conceived human life. Catholic emergency rooms around the country have been pressured to provide Plan B (LNG-EC) to patients seeking help after a sexual assault. Catholic bioethicists have supported the use of this drug based on their interpretation of the scientific literature regarding its mechanism of action. This paper presents a review of the mechanisms of action of LNG-EC when given during the fertile window, showing a high probability that it acts against human life rather than preventing fertilization, and proposes another class of drugs as a possible alternative.

Keywords:

• Emergency contraception
• Rape
• Levonorgestrel
• Peoria protocol
• Catholic hospitals
• Dignitas personae
• Meloxicam

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathleen Mary Raviele

Kathleen M. Raviele M.D. is a fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is a past president of the Catholic Medical Association. She is in the private practice of gynecology. Her email address is [email protected].