Developments during the year 1998

"Some chemical compounds may work to either prevent fertilization or kill the developing human being which has begun to grow. National Right to Life advises women faced with these situations to consult one or more physicians. If, in the best medical judgment of the physicians, the drug or drugs will cause an abortion, NRLC strongly opposes the taking of the drug. If the drug(s) will prevent fertilization, the National Right to Life Committee takes no position." ₁

Since essentially all physicians regard pregnancy as starting when the fertilized ovum becomes attached to the uterine wall, and since emergency contraception has no effect after pregnancy has begun, then almost any physician that a woman might consult would not regard Preven as inducing an abortion. NRLC later appears to have subsequently retracted their statement. Laura Echevarria, the Communications Director for National Right to Life later implied that, to them, pregnancy begins at fertilization. Under their definition, which contradicts that taken by the FDA, AMA and medical professional generally, there is the very remote possibility that Preven could cause an abortion. ₁