Is Breastfeeding the Moral Equivalent of Emergency Contraception in Inducing Early Pregnancy Loss?

Authors

Richard J. Fehring, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

2009

Publisher

University Faculty for Life

Source Publication

Life and Learning

Source ISSN

1097-0878

Abstract

This paper provides a counter-argument to the notion that breastfeeding acts as an abortifacient and is thus the moral equivalent of abortion-causing drugs, e.g., Plan B or what is referred to as emergency contraception. Those who make this comparison do so in order to ridicule health professionals who refuse to prescribe or refer abortifacient-type contraceptive drugs and to ridicule laws that protect this right of conscience for healthcare professionals. In this paper I will provide evidence that breastfeeding does not induce early pregnancy loss and that it is not the moral equivalent to the administration of abortifacient-type drugs.

Comments

Published version. Life and Learning, Vol. 19 (2009): 55-64. Publisher link. © 2009 University Faculty for Life. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Fehring, Richard J., "Is Breastfeeding the Moral Equivalent of Emergency Contraception in Inducing Early Pregnancy Loss?" (2009). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 478.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/478