Article by: Dr Zoe Arugay
Photo: Newscom

The Food and Drug Administration just released a set of documents revealing that the morning-after pill, ulipristal acetate, can consistently prevent pregnancy without the expected side effects.

The pill, which is known in Europe as "ellaOne," can work up to five days after unprotected sex.

Imagine all the hallelujahs from all the ladies out there. That resounded to 44 countries approving its use.

But making its way to American territory is proving to be arduous. Activists led by the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, claim that there is a link between ulipristal acetate and the so-called “abortion pill.”

Ulipristal, works primarily by preventing ovulation of a woman's egg. It is a type of drug known as a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) that interferes with the hormone progesterone, which is critical for pregnancy. This mechanism of action is much like mifepristone, also known as the abortion pill.

However, although proponents agree that ella is similar chemically to mifepristone, they also say that the dose given does not interfere with a pregnancy already underway.

This pill clearly needs to be studied more before they could deliberate. It's a good thing that a panel of experts will convene Thursday to review the findings on ulipristal acetate and decide whether to approve the drug for U.S. markets.