Denver, Colo., Nov 28, 2012 / 17:00 pm
Doctors and pro-life advocates warn that the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation of emergency contraceptives for teenage girls promotes unwise and "risky behaviors."
"It is beyond belief that the AAP would make this statement which is not in the best interest of teens … but in fact encourages them to initiate sexual activity and to do more risky behaviors. It's very foolish," Doctor Donna Harrison told CNA on Nov. 27.
A policy statement released Nov. 26 by the American Academy of Pediatrics aims to "encourage routine counseling and advance emergency-contraception prescription as 1 part of a public health strategy to reduce teen pregnancy."
This recommendation is disconcerting to pro-life health care professionals because at least one method of emergency contraception, known as ulipristal or ella, can work by inducing abortion.