DeepSummary
The podcast discusses the abortion pill, which is now the most common way to have an abortion in the US. It explains how the abortion pill works, detailing the process of taking two different pills, mifepristone and misoprostol, and their effects on the body in terminating a pregnancy.
The podcast interviews medical experts and patients to understand the physical and mental health impacts of taking the abortion pill. It addresses concerns about potential risks like hemorrhaging or mental health issues, presenting research to evaluate the actual safety and side effects.
The episode aims to demystify the abortion pill by providing factual information and personal experiences. It explores why some women prefer the medication abortion method over surgical options and highlights the ongoing legal battles around access to the abortion pill in the US.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The abortion pill, consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol, is now the most common method for abortion in the US.
- The abortion pill works by first blocking the hormone progesterone, causing the uterine lining to shed, and then inducing contractions to expel the contents of the uterus.
- Research shows that serious side effects like hemorrhaging or infections from the abortion pill are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
- While the abortion pill can cause significant pain and bleeding, similar to an intense period, most women find the experience manageable.
- Seeing the embryo or placenta after taking the abortion pill can elicit various emotional responses in women, ranging from curiosity to distress.
- Studies indicate that having an abortion, including through medication, does not increase the risk of depression or other long-term mental health issues for most women.
- Many women prefer the abortion pill over surgical abortion due to factors like privacy, cost, and avoiding surgery.
- There is an ongoing legal battle in the US around access to the abortion pill, with debates around its safety and the necessity of in-person medical supervision.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Why is it shrouded in this secrecy and taboo and shame and fear? Why can't we bring it out front and center and shine some light on it?“ by Heather Witten
- “I don't remember anything but curiosity. Like, I was very curious to see, and it felt very cool to be able to see it, you know, like, I didn't feel attached to it in any way. I didn't feel like that's my baby or sad in any way that I can remember.“ by Heather Witten
- “In terms of regret, the data show that the vast majority of people, you know, over 95% feel confident about their decision, feel no regret about their abortion decision.“ by Ushma Upadiay
- “No, not at all. In terms of regret, the data show that the vast majority of people, you know, over 95% feel confident about their decision, feel no regret about their abortion decision.“ by Ushma Upadiay
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Episode Information
Science Vs
Spotify Studios
5/23/24
The Abortion Pill is now the most common way to have an abortion in the US. Yet what exactly happens when you take these pills is shrouded in mystery. Even many doctors don't know how well they work! Today, we're letting the sun shine on the abortion pill. We'll walk you through what happens when you take these pills: what they do to your body, and how safe are they for your physical and mental health? To explore all this - and more - we speak to Dr Sara Whitburn, Professor Oskari Heikinheimo, and Professor Ushma Upadhyay.
Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsTheAbortionPiill
The Abortion Project's Instagram @theabortionproject
Science Vs's Instagram @science_vs
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In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) The battle over the abortion pill
(04:28) How does the abortion pill work?
(09:05) How it feels to take the abortion pill
(14:34) How often do people hemorrhage?
(21:22) What's "normal" bleeding?
(24:11) Does taking the abortion pill affect your mental health?
(32:02) Why some people prefer the abortion pill
This episode was produced by Meryl Horn and Wendy Zukerman, with help from Rose Rimler, and Michelle Dang. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell. Fact checking by Diane Kelly. Mix and sound design by Bobby Lord. Music written by Bobby Lord, Emma Munger, So Wylie, Bumi Hidaka and Peter Leonard. Thanks to all the researchers we spoke to including Dr. Tiffany Green, Dr. Ned Calonge, Professor Jenny Higgins, Dr. Daniel Aaron, Dr. Beverly Winikoff, and Dr. Abigail Aiken. Also thanks to Lauren Silverman, the Zukerman Family and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.
Science Vs is a Spotify Studios Original. Listen for free on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us and tap the bell for episode notifications.
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