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.
“Chemical abortion is an abortion, and it is an incredibly terrifying, isolating, and painful experience, It was a violent, unnatural pain.”
Leslie, told to Live Action
“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
“Human life is sacred and inviolable in every dimension and condition.”
Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki
"Every single one of our mothers chose life."
Diego Wendt
“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
“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
“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
Together, we’ll reach HER in her moment of need right now with true, compassionate support and lifesaving help that’s available across the country and around the world
Heartbeat International
The national survey of men found that 71% of men report adverse changes after a partner’s abortion, such as depression, anxiety, and anger.
“We have to be willing to have hard conversations about an injustice, to demand better, even to take peaceful but forceful action to make society better, even at the cost of our own standing in the community, and possibly even at the risk of our own freedom and safety.”
Lila Rose
