APR is a procedure that involves attempting to counter the effects of the first pill in a medication abortion, also known as a chemical abortion. This first pill, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. The second pill, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
In some cases, women who have taken the first pill regret their decision and want to continue their pregnancy. This is where the countering process comes in.
The process begins by calling the hotline to be connected to an on-call healthcare professional who will ask some basic questions to see if the procedure is possible. If so, they will be directed to a doctor or medical provider in the area to start treatment.
An ultrasound will be done as soon as possible to confirm heart rate, placement, and dating of the pregnancy. The doctor or medical provider will prescribe progesterone to counteract the effects of mifepristone and help support the pregnancy, given as a pill to be taken orally or vaginally or possibly by intramuscular injection. The treatment will usually continue through the first trimester of pregnancy.
Progesterone is the natural hormone in a woman’s body that is necessary to nurture and sustain a pregnancy. The first pill in the abortion pill regimen blocks progesterone’s actions. By giving extra progesterone, we hope to outnumber and outcompete the first abortion pill in order to counter the effects and provide an opportunity to save the pregnancy.
For some women progesterone may cause sleepiness, lack of energy, lightheadedness, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and headaches. Increased fluid intake might help relieve these symptoms.
“Our waterways continue to be tainted with human remains of babies & traces of these dangerous chemicals (Chemical Abortion Pills)– all while wastewater treatment plants aren’t treating for them!”
Kristan Hawkins, Students for Life
“Most women attributed a decline in mental health to the abortion they experienced.”
Elliott Institute
“The birth of children, in fact, is the main indicator for measuring the hope of a people”
Pope Francis
“After adjusting for other factors, a team of Canadian psychologists found post-abortive women had a 142% higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol, and 280% greater likelihood of drug dependence attributable to the abortion experience.”
LifeNews
“Human life is sacred and inviolable in every dimension and condition.”
Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki
“The Right to Life is the Lens to view all Issues.”
Bishop Strickland
“We want people to have the fullness of Jesus’ promise, ‘I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.’ John 10:10”
Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrer
“As a Church, our responsibility is to surround with love those that might be in a difficult pregnancy and help them choose life.”
Archbishop Joseph Naumann
“I am pro-life for the most essential reason: That’s a baby in there, a human child.”
Peggy Noonan
“As we are taught by Jesus, human life is sacred. God calls us to defend and nurture life from the moment a new human being is conceived.”
Arch. Timothy Broglio, President, USCCB
