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No Plan B for Med Ed

Abortifacients or Emergency Contraceptives?

No Plan B for Med Ed


 

Abstract

This interrupted case study follows a team of medical school students who are tasked with creating a presentation addressing the myth that emergency contraceptives function as abortifacients. The team is led by “Becky Marshall,” a character who appeared in a previous case as a high school student learning about the menstrual cycle and contraception (see “Sex, Contraception, and High School”). Becky is now a fourth-year medical student intending to specialize in OB/GYN. Using primary literature and evidence-based reasoning, students follow Becky’s team as they sort through information and create concise summaries for two distinct audiences: the medical community and the general public. This dual-audience approach to presentation helps students practice science communication and effective use of media. Before beginning the case, students should be familiar with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the HPG axis, and reproductive anatomy; the case provides substantial background for these topics, so mastery is not required. The case is appropriate for courses in anatomy and physiology, endocrinology, reproductive biology and human sexuality, and some introductory biology, as well as medical ethics or policy with adequate physiology knowledge. Instructors should ensure state laws permit teaching the topics of contraception and abortion.

   

Date Posted

03/12/2026

Overview

Objectives

•    Define abortion and explain the uses and mechanisms of action for mifepristone and misoprostol.
•    Explain the mechanism of action for Plan B and Ella emergency contraceptives.
•    Compare and contrast abortifacients and emergency contraceptives.
•    Use evidence-based decision making to fact-check statements.
•    Appreciate differences in communicating scientific information to a professional and to a lay audience.

Keywords

Plan B; abortion; ovulation; contraception; myth; progesterone; mechanism of action; science communication; social media; misinformation; medical school; Texas

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Medicine (General)
Pharmacy / Pharmacology
Physiology
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Policy issues; Science and the media; Social issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Directed, Discussion

 

 

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