Norplant

January 08, 2005

Norplant

What is it?

Norplant is a birth control method that requires the surgical insertion of six flexible rods into the arm of the woman who will be using it. The rods contain a chemical called levonorgestrel, a man-made hormone. This chemical is slowly released into the woman's body. One insertion of six rods will last for up to five years.

This man-made hormone has been a part of the chemical formulation of the birth control pill for many years.

How does Norplant work?

Norplant works in at least three ways:

1. In at least half of a woman's menstrual cycles, no egg is produced. The natural cycles of a woman's body normally release an egg every month mid-way in her menstrual cycle. Norplant can interfere with this natural process.

2. When ovulation (the release of the egg) does occur, Norplant can act to thicken the cervical mucus so that sperm have a difficult time getting to the egg. If sperm do not reach the woman's egg, fertilization (creation of a new human being) cannot occur.

3. It can irritate the lining of the uterus so that if the first two actions fail, and the woman does become pregnant, the tiny baby boy or girl will die before he or she can attach to the lining of the uterus.
In other words, if the third action occurs, the woman's body rejects the tiny baby and he or she will die. This is called a chemical abortion.
Abortion is an act of direct killing that takes the life of a tiny human being-a life that begins at fertilization.

Is Norplant safe?

No. Here are some of the side effects:

• discomfort in the area of the arm where the rods are surgically implanted
• difficulty in surgically removing the rods
• increased bleeding and spotting associated with the period and sometimes in between
• changes in blood pressure
• risk of heart attack
• blood clotting
• ovarian cysts
• headaches
• increased body weight
• mood swings
• blindness

A telltale scar on the arm sets the woman up for sexual abuse. Men can tell who is "safe."

Norplant also offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.

More than 40 class-action lawsuits have been filed against Wyeth-Ayerst, the company that manufactures Norplant. The women bringing these lawsuits are women who have suffered side effects.

What is my best option?

Some people may try to convince you that Norplant is totally without risk. Don't believe it!

Don't depend on Norplant. It could be harmful to you. It could also kill your baby-without you knowing it.

If you're single, abstinence is always your best choice. It isn't always easy, but it always works. By abstaining from sex, you eliminate the possibility of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.

If you are married, be faithful to your spouse, trusting in the Lord and His will.
Be good to yourself. Don't use Norplant

Sources:
"A Consumer's Guide to the Pill and Other Drugs," by pharmacist/researcher John Wilks.

"Infant Homicides Through Contraceptives" by pharmacist Bogomir Kuhar; 2nd edition, 1995.

Medical consultant: Stephen Spaulding, M.D. Dr. Spaulding is a board-certified family practitioner whose writings have appeared in a variety of medical journals.

Also see:
WHAT IS NORPLANT? Research, history and legal troubles.

©1997 American Life League, Inc.