Imagine a totally new form of contraception. It\u2019s a pill, but instead of taking it every day at the same time, you only take it once a week \u2014 or, potentially, even less frequently. If you\u2019re not having regular sex, you can stop and start this pill as needed or just take it after you\u2019ve had sex since it also works great as a \u201cmorning after\u201d pill. It doesn\u2019t contain the hormones estrogen or progesterone, so many of the side effects commonly associated with current birth control pills (including weight gain, mood swings, acne, and decreased libido) aren\u2019t an issue. And if you wind up taking it long term, it thins your uterine lining, eliminating your period. More amazingly, it also has the potential to treat endometriosis and fibroids and maybe even prevent breast cancer.<\/p>\n

Sound too good to be true? Here\u2019s the best part: this hypothetical birth control pill already exists, has been extensively researched for both safety and efficacy, and, even better, is an FDA-approved medication. The catch? It\u2019s mifepristone, better known as the \u201cabortion pill\u201d that Republicans around the country are currently trying to ban. At a moment when abortion access feels newly precarious, abortion advocates are hoping that a focus on mifepristone\u2019s contraceptive properties will help tear down the artificial wall between \u201cabortion\u201d and \u201ccontraception\u201d in the process \u2014 and help secure mifepristone access around the globe.<\/p>\n