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.
“There is no better social justice cause to get involved in than saving the lives of Innocent children,”
Bishop David O’Connell
These little ones are "tiny human beings deprived of time.”
Dr. Lejeune
“In our current situation, we choose to pray for the restoration of respect for the sanctity of all human life which is the most urgent need of our day.”
Knights of Columbus
“'Nothing can truly prepare you for an abortion, no matter what route you take.’ She is still struggling with having had an abortion and has nightmares about it all the time. She often wonders — what if she hadn’t had the abortion? She would have two children to love now.”
Christina - Live Action
“When I turned around, there it was in the sac and everything. I broke open the sac and held the helpless little baby in my hand. I cried and felt like I had just murdered someone so innocent. I regretted it 100% after that night.”
Christina – Live Action
“The abortion pill is not safe, and it will never be medicine. Medicine is meant to heal - not to kill.”
Lila Rose
“Most women attributed a decline in mental health to the abortion they experienced.”
Elliott Institute
“As people of faith, we know that peace in the world begins with peace in the womb.”
Cordileone
"Abortion is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our generation."
—Dan Steiner, PreBorn
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