Bioethical issues involved in the prescription of levonorgestrel

The use of levonorgestrel for emergency past coital contraception after rape, has raised strong and recurring discussions during 2004 and 2005 in Chile. The debate has been centered in its presumed post fertilization or anti implantation effect, that some consider an abortive action. There are no scientific evidences supporting this effect, with divergences about the ontological status of the embryo. Therefore, the use fo levonorgestrel implies bioethical decisions that, in a democratic and pluralistic society, should be solved considering individual and collective responsibilities, conditions of equity and the informed automony of the affected women. Their moral values and their capacity to assume the consequences of an assault on their dignity, honor and self-esteem, in addition to physical and mental injuries, should also be considered.