Even after Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, reproductive rights have remained a point of passionate debate and division. Currently, Roe v. Wade is making new headlines and sparking emotional protests because of the leaked Supreme Court opinion indicating that Roe v Wade will very likely be overturned. Although a final ruling will not come until June or July of 2022, seeing the possibility of the decision being reversed in print has left people frantic – worried and wondering what this means for reproductive health.
In short, if Roe v Wade is overturned, it will remove the constitutional right for women to have access to a safe abortion, regardless of the reason. It will then be up to each individual state to determine if abortion remains legal and accessible within their state lines.
Dr. Garritano and Christina at Her Wellness would like to help patients and their families understand all the options available.
Legislature in Connecticut
In Connecticut, lawmakers have vowed that this Supreme Court decision will not change anything for our citizens. Governor Ned Lamont has repeatedly announced his support for women to be fully in charge of their own reproductive health without any government influence.
On May 5, 2022, Gov. Lamont signed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act into law. This law increases the scope of healthcare providers, such as midwives and physician assistants, who can perform this medical procedure. It also protects patients and providers from lawsuits and bounty hunters. Now, anyone can travel to Connecticut to have an abortion and be safe from legal repercussions.
People in Connecticut who experience a failure of birth control or who do not wish to continue a pregnancy, whether the reason is elective or medical, will have access to emergency contraception and abortion. The choice and the reason are between you and your doctor.
Emergency Contraception Available
In Connecticut, people who have had unprotected sex or suspect birth control failed can access emergency contraception up to 120 hours (five days) after having sex. Sperm is typically present in a women’s reproductive system for up to six days and pregnancy can occur within that time frame. A person will have the best chances of preventing pregnancy if they are able to implement emergency contraception as soon as possible.
Talk to Dr. Garritano or Christina immediately to discuss what type of emergency contraception is best for you. Patients can choose between an Intrauterine device (IUD) or an emergency contraception pill.
An IUD inserted into a person’s uterus to prevent egg fertilization is the most effective form of emergency contraception.
There are two different types of the emergency contraception pill, also known as the morning after pill. The “Ella” pill contains ulipristal acetate, a female hormone treatment. This is the most effective emergency contraception pill and requires a prescription. The “Plan B” pill contains levonorgestrel, which is similar to the hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle. This pill is available over the counter and works best when taken three days after having unprotected sex.
Abortion Procedures Available
When a person is past the three-to-five-day mark after having unprotected sex and does not want to continue a pregnancy, consult Dr. Garritano or Christina to discuss termination options, considering medical history and life situation.
A medical abortion, also called an abortion pill, is most effective when a person is 8 weeks pregnant or less. It works by taking two different pills approximately 48 hours apart. The first pill contains mifepristone, which suppresses the hormone progesterone to prevent the pregnancy from growing. The second pill contains misoprostol which empties the uterus. Patients describe this as feeling like a painful period with cramps.
When the eighth week of pregnancy has passed, Her Wellness will likely recommend you to a clinic for a surgical procedure. It is best to have this procedure done as soon as possible. The procedure takes roughly five minutes to complete, and typically patients are fully recovered in about six weeks.
If you suspect you are pregnant or are pregnant and are unsure what to do, talk to us as soon as possible to discuss your options. Whatever you choose to, the state of Connecticut has ensured that you will have safe, accessible options and full autonomy over your healthcare choices without government judgement or persecution.
If you have questions about birth control methods or reproductive choices, please call us at 203-409-2539. We are always here to help with compassionate and excellent care.