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Promt reporting followed by medical attention will also reduce the chance of implantation of a fertilized egg.

You are aware that a great many people on the board consider such medical attention an abortion, don't you?

That is true, but emergency medical treatment following a criminal attack that inadvertently results in the failure to implant is not an abortion in my mind. It is similar to a traffic accident where medical treatment results in the death of an unborn child.

The emergency contraception pill should prevent the release of an unfertilized egg. There is about a six day window of fertility, five days of pre-ovulation sperm survival, and only one day of post-ovulation ovum survival.

It’s been speculated that the ECP could make the uterine lining less hospitable to the embryo, but I’m doubtful. The ECP in the US is a high progestin pill (synthetic progesterone) and there is a natural rise in progesterone after ovulation to preserve the uterine lining. Established oral contraceptive use may well thin the lining.

Akin said something stupid and the only honorable, honest thing to do is admit it. “I meant to say forcible rape. I’m sorry. I was indulging in wishful thinking as well. Of course women can become pregnant as a result of rape. Again, I’m sorry for saying something ignorant.”

How unusual that would be.