*Download the ella Causes Abortions, print, and distribute to friends and family*

The Science

Pharmaceutical giant and ella manufacturer, HRA Pharma, proclaims that ella is a contraceptive drug which prevents unwanted pregnancy. However, the science behind the drug actually proves that ella is much more powerful than a mere contraceptive and can actually end the life a living human embryo.

There are 2 main mechanisms in how ella works:

1. 1)ella blocks progesterone receptors in 3 areas
   

1. •    Progesterone is blocked at the level of endometrial glands (glands located in the uterus) and destroys the receptivity of the endometrium (inner uterine lining) prohibiting the human embryo from implanting.     
   
   

2. •    Destroys the corpus luteum granulose cells to produce progesterone. (The corpus luteum supports the human embryo which is implanted into the mother’s uterine wall for the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.)
   

1. •    Progesterone receptors are blocked in the endometrial stromal tissue, destroying the maternal component of the placenta.
   

The last 2 progesterone blocking actions with ella are identical to those of the RU-486 pill, which is commonly referred to as the “abortion pill.”

2. 2)The above mentioned progesterone receptor blockades directly interfere with the hormone action of progesterone to prepare the endometrium for implantation of the human embryo. (As soon as conception occurs, when the male sperm meets the female egg, the mother’s hormones are instantly released causing hormonal changes in the woman’s uterus.)
   

For more medical information, please check out these sites by AAPLOG, CWA, and the USCCB.

Myth vs. Fact: The Truth about How ella Works

*Download the entire Family Research Council memo with sources

Myth #1: ella is an “emergency contraceptive,” just like Plan B, but it works longer and more effectively.

Fact: ella works very differently than Plan B, which is also referenced to as a “morning after pill.” Plan B can prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterus, thereby causing its demise. However, Plan B can not terminate an already implanted embryo, whereas ella can. ella is a different type of chemical compound than Plan B (Levonorgestrel). Plan B is a kind of progesterone, and progesterone is needed by the uterine lining to grow and feed the embryo. ella is a selected progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM). An SPRM blocks progesterone receptors and thereby starves developing baby of this needed protein. According to the FDA, only one SPRM has been approved for drug use in the United States, and it is RU-486 (Mifepristone) – a known producer of abortions for first-trimester pregnancies. 

Myth #2: ella is not capable of causing abortions.

Fact: According to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), the EU equivalent of the FDA, numerous studies show that ella causes abortions in animals, including rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and macaques (similar to monkeys).  Additionally, the EMEA indicated that ella “is embryotoxic at low doses, when given to rats and rabbits.” Given ella’s molecular similarity to RU-486 and this animal data, it is reasonable to conclude that ella will abort human pregnancies.

Myth #3: ella does not cause an abortion because it does not interrupt an established, implanted pregnancy.

Fact: ella can cause the demise of an embryo already implanted in its mother’s womb, in addition to preventing implantation after fertilization.  ella also appears to have a powerful ovulatory blocking capability.

Myth #4: ella is safe for women’s health.

Fact: The FDA looked at limited data on safety information and should conduct further studies on the effect of Ella on women’s health. In addition to the studies looked at for approval, since Ella works similarly to RU-486, there is compelling reason to believe that it will likely have similar side effects. It may cause excessive bleeding and increase vulnerability to infection. The FDA had admitted that six women died as a result to RU-486 within six years of its approval. It is possible that other serious side effects of RU-486 have occurred but not been reported. Women who take Ella should be aware of its potential side effects.

Myth #5: Since ella is only being approved for use for five days it can not interfere with a pregnancy since implantation usually occurs between 6-10 days after fertilization.

Fact: Nothing would prevent providers from prescribing, or women from using, ella off-label. Indeed, Planned Parenthood openly admits providing emergency contraception beyond the 3 day FDA approved timeframe.  Additionally, Planned Parenthood website describes two off-label uses for RU-486: the organization prescribes the RU-486 abortion regimen at a lower dose than approved by the FDA and after the 49 day FDA approved timeframe.  The FDA is not able to prevent off-label and unapproved use of the drug.  Once approved the drug can be used off-label outside of FDA guidelines.  Furthermore, a woman in early pregnancy can unknowingly take ella within 5 days of a separate sexual encounter and unintentionally and unknowingly have an abortion because she believes emergency contraception will not harm an implanted fetus.  

Myth #6: ella is safe for women who are breastfeeding, and for their unborn and born children.

Fact: The FDA admits at least one case where a baby exposed to ella in utero had visual development problems and delayed gross motor skills. Despite this information, the FDA Advisory Panel did not suggest further studies on the potential for ella to produce birth defects, either for babies in utero or those drinking their mother’s breast-milk. Additionally, the EMEA stated that “Extremely limited data are available on the health of the foetus/new-born in case a pregnancy is exposed” to the drug, as well as “it has not been possible to evaluate the teratogenic (birth-defect) potential of ulipristal acetate (ella).”

*See our sources.