Dear SaVrAiNoiR,

Emergency contraception pills — also known as the "morning-after pill" — can reduce the risk of pregnancy when started within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex. Emergency contraception pills prevent ovulation and fertilization. They prevent a pregnancy before it occurs. Pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus.

Abortion ends an existing pregnancy. Within the first 63 days of pregnancy, women have two options for ending a pregnancy — the abortion pill or abortion by vacuum aspiration. The abortion pill ends a pregnancy with medicine and without surgery. Vacuum aspiration is a way to end pregnancy by emptying the uterus with suction. It can be done anytime in the first trimester.

For more information about the abortion pill and abortion by vacuum aspiration, check out Your Abortion Options in the First Trimester — Questions and Answers. To find a Planned Parenthood health center near you, call 1-800-230-PLAN.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.