Abortion is not a modern inventlon. For mlllannla wotl|a[ hava Utad avariety of plants to prevont or i.rmln.ta pl.Cnancy,

Many ofthe herbs included hrv6 mythlc r.put on... aphrodlalacabecause oftheir associattons wtth tr!.dom rnd ..rorllty, rt.mmlng

from their use In ancl€nt orglaa{c cultt ||a.

as technological culturc puts tho powar ovar ou? ltvat In tha handaof a small number ol hl-loch sxport!, $rom.n havo .toppad laalnlng

how to control thotr own f.rttttty.

Harbat Abonion gathe6 somo of ths tong-known knowladea ot had.labortion and puts it into. stratghtforu.rd and pr.c cat panphlat.

Most olthe substancos mentlonod are r.rdtly .vr[rbl., .nd rll otthem are known to bo affacllva.

Herbel Abortion coveB not only herb! but et.o oth.r thlnea auch aahome pregnancy testlng ktts that put controt b.ck Into th. h.nd. of

lhe individuai womrr..

Hethal Abortion efipowers women and gtv6a ihom I chrnca lo laalnhowto affect th€ir own reproducilvo syatemt.

Horbal Abodon iz not a pamphlst of n6w.nd rodtc.t td.rt, tt trslmply the perFtuatlon ot age-otd knowtodgo that h.. bcan

systematically 3uppr€sed by those - from madi€val wltch-bumarr.nd clergy to modern day doclors and potiticians -who would u.urD

lhe power of a woman's control ovor hor own body.

Jurt because h€rbal.bodlon uses hsrbs dos! not mosn tt u/ begentle or €asy. Th6re erc certainty risks with any ftedlcal keltmont.

Natural does not equal safe.

Having read this, a woman may well choose not to us6 a herbalmethod of abortton.

gul whatevor she choGes, she $/ttt bd making a,|lore Intormedchoice from a wider rsnge of optton6, and sh6 w t b6tter understand

the worktng3 of her own ter tity.

isbn0952997568

two pounds

[ IERBALAROR|I ION

a woman's d. i .y. guide

contentslntroduction " ,''

su"ttotJh"n to u," the Herbs " "

68

How to Use lhe HerbsWhich Herbs to Tale

?iTiliiilJiiiX?" ;""x.uP Prununialio expect pnvsicattv

PotentialRisks -" - ' - '

sEcllo{ 3Bibl iography" " "" "

.20'oiil, ir,'"g. rn"t c-ould-Assist 22Rtr Negative gtooa tyPes

11, ' , ' ' ' ' ' '13. . . . . . . . .16

' , ' ' ' ,18

THE HERaAL SEcrlox ... . 24Dosages.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24purchasing Heros . . . . . . . .25How to Prepare Herus ... . . . . 21

Vitamin U... . 30Dong Ouai 32Blue Cohosh - 34Rue.. . . . .35pennyroyal. 3TWild Carrol Seeds .. s'gIansy.. . . . .40I \ '4ugwort . . . . . . . . l tJuniper' ' 42Cotton Root Bark .. 1:Pa.sley... . . 44Black Col 'osh

... . tSGinger Root " "

Websi tes. " ' " 'Email SuPPort GroLrP

46.46.46.47

Rf?".lil';, ;;;; ;; ;;"'tn n'ir'"'i'i"" .48

I

Herbal Abortion published by Godhaven Ink, 2002

Co piled and edjled by A lwen

Second edition. liutuLc ediiions Nill incl de updated and cxpanded information

Susgesl ions and correct ior ls grateful ly rcceivedl

isbn0952997568

Godhaven Ink,Roolcd Media,Thc Cardigan Centre,145-149 Cardigan Road,

LS6 1LJ,trnglmd.

rYw$.godhn!€n,org.uk

lntroductionsince beibre reclded hntiny {omen halc bccn able ro con{rotnr.ir own tenililt trsirjg pta(c Nh.th$ itbe for nrcrednrg de ch.Dccs.f.onceiving, conrEceprion, t'bonion or srafiing deta),ed pcril s,wonjenhaveknown h.{ ro lislento theif bodies dd dilldrnem t1,s onlr iinty .ecerrtr-. lhar we,ve given over allknoaledge ofour b.djes 10 nredic.l proti$ionals. My aim is to enrpoBe. women t.lake lle peNonatexle.ence ofaborlion lioin th. hands ofdocroB andloiiticians.

UnLil nedievaltiJnes, nidwiles serc the ones lyidr rne infornation abouiaborijve and contr.cctti\e herbs,ed becars ofn rhey wcre burned as $ilchesby the ChrisLian esrabtishnenr. Tte ctera), recognised tljeposef ot iinililt coniroland iook i( iordremselves. l,oliricldr inhorired !!d srill wj.tdttis power

There sas never any conradictior betwecn l[e role ofthe midwife in chitdbnrh a.d her rotc in tisNnsnrgherbs for aboaion, it *.s seen as r$o didereni asFeds olrhe same rhinC: part of{he sanre.y.te r Lretievcthat r.gu alion ofyor ledilitt trrusi include bcingable to decirle *hcn to beco e ! nolhor and irhen

Al1]1o0sh obviously an emoLional tinie, abortlon cd be aposirivc erlerience, proving r.0r t!fiitii!,clar tingrelaLionships ard erploring yotr.feelines abournorhedrood lsnolnecessarit) lheomositeofdodrernood it can be p&( of n

Widespre.d infomaiion abouLILow to usc these herbs !.s .ever been property recovofed.I decited to nratejt nt nissionro di{ribure lhis idonnation ater ]'lnding nryselfFcgnanrand nor benrg ab e to lnrdaccurare, rellable inaorniation abort herbs in timc tr'se6y roiindatistofhe.bs lo.voidduriiglregnarcy, but Lhs is r lonC way fron knowing horv much ofltFse h.rbs ro rse ro en{trhar prgnlrct.

his pan$let should Lre rerd 1,,r g,ri!ry- wlh nnenrion beiDg pajdiori\ks ad side eifeds theredrcrisl<s invoh,ed{it[ herbd] abotuon but r[ese rh]rs arc.o reason nor (oattempr ii provtded yotr arc arned*irl good nifodnliion about all the possible ouromes andare$ilingto rcsortto ltsilnga dootorjl!!u

Yo! uray decide .fier rcading thls p.dphl€t tlat herbal abodion is not for Fu Irs truc. ii wonl luireveryonc Hcfbllabonion cm.Dlt lake!t!ce in very eant pregnmcy and has aredonabty high cljdnce ofihilur. Yotr nray not {isl to go through iwo weeks oftakitrg srrong hetus only ro havd (o h!!c a ctinicalabodion after all (aDd it is litd thar lotr do not conritue silh tlc preg.tuct after youve uke lerbs torrusons slaied laler). Mdyolthese herbs are qnitcioric and cm bc tariJrgon lhe body, irt io rue loassLmc rhat hdbs oc! lessphysically slrelsfulnethod than . clinicaj .bonion. NaLural does Doiauionat ic l l ly .qualsafe.HoRever,somcofto!h!) ,bel ieveaDyaf iedptLorakenanentdLo)oro{nhands $ be lvonh n even illnsuocessful.

Yo! s[ould i]sole dwarc rhat [erbal.bonion is nol a. esy option, tinvotves dedicaiion.rd tocus.ndrvould be besi attempted ifloLrhave some ne onyourhands aid lrppodile liiends around you.

AILofthis infornationgods h d nr handwiu lno$ledge oltourovn ledihl clctc Ilrrolghmakingsinple obserlations ifs posslble to detcmrinc when you are ar l,our nrost tedjle, hd ltrer.fore whed you arctikelyio have concelled. This is basic inlomation abont our own bodiesrhat njore irdnen shontd knorv.

Most ofdre nrfonnalion conrained herc has bedn glrtrered flom odrer sources, and s.reratiahcs cfop ol)regularly.I!ll detnils olall dre lrtrblicrLions rndwebsir.s l qloLe d€ irth. tstbttognph], theanj.zingwebsne b), SkrerZeus *as my rirst nftodrclior tr the iotic a.d is the place wherc 0rosi ol jny njfomalidrcomes Aorn.I sould adyise anlonewho'srliirkidg ofattempiing ahc$il abo nrrbvisirdFsebsirelndjoin lne crnail suppo,l eronp.

$

."on*- t"u oubricat ions tre l lNars pr int 'd on recvcred plpei

Godhlven lnk publications ate rnti-copyright. lnfoDratio! for actionlto$ever. ifyou onlr reproduce pait of this famphlelyo! may omil importantdelaih a.d serioudy risk sornebody\ heallh.

When to use the herbs

Iri|stly. a nolc about dating the prcgnancy. ]'reglrancl is usualll talked about in tenns ofweels. l'nr usjng thc start dalc as thc dale of conceprion as dris will bc the exact numberof weeks for \r'hich you have been pregnanl. This is very easy 10 dererminc jfyou know

)our oxr Dcnstrual cycle and car teU l\'hen you olulatcd. or you ma-v know the date ofwhen you had unprctccLcd sex. lf yox can't detefmine the dar of conception then youcan use the rough estimalc ol two weeks before your period is due. The medicalprofession nunber a pregnancy from t|e begiming of your last period so renember ihatifyou\c rcading any nedicai literature or have spokcn 1(] a doctot tleir date $'ill bcroughLy l*o wecks before you actually corrceived.

As a general nlle, thc hc$s are safeL a d more efectivc thc carlier on in your pregDanc)the] are xsed. so tjore is ofthe .sscDcc. Ihere are sevefal wiidows of opportunity forending a pregnancy chrring the first six seeks (from thc dalc o1 concepton).

The b€sl tinc to begin is during the first lwo wecks. This is d1e time between conccptlorand the exp€clcd linlc ofmenstruaiion. in the first fcw d.tys ofpregnancy dre fetiliscdegg cr,.r b€ prclcnlcd lron atlaching itselfro the uall of the $on1b, this is how themedical emergency contra.cptive (tle 'moning after piil') vorks. Ifthc eeg has aheadyimplanred then its 'grjt wi ll b. \'eak as lhc placenta x,il1 not have beeD csLiblished andso it is stili a very good tirne to uiiljze thc lcrbs, rhis is when ihe pregnanoy is mosiliagilc rnd casiesr to disrupt in larious ways.

Anothcr rcason wlrr- this is a time \iren the herbs dc a1 their most efeotive is thal man)ofthese abodivc hcfbs are ihought 1l] be terarogens. Tcralogens cause the developmcnr 01abnormal structurcs in an elnblyo Lesulting in deformities in the fbetus, and |ave bccrllinked to conrplications during pregnancy and bith. lcdiliscd eggs are iloughl to abort i1'exposed to telatogenjc ag.nls dudng lhe lirst t\ao Neeks ofpregnanc).

Ifhcrbs arc successful al this earl] strgc thcn ncnstruation is likely 1(r occur at ihe usualtime - bleedirg won'l start nuch sooner tha[ expected becausc a woman's menstrua]clcle must complele iiselfbclbre blceding begms.

The ncrl slag€, q,her menstuation is duc orjusl lale is s1i]1 a good linre to bcsh taklngthc hcrlx, and drey are elTective uDtil two {ecks alicr the usual menstualion 1imc. Thechanccs ol sircccss aIe ihought 10 diminish afier this line, although successes havc bccn

llo!\'ever, Susar U/eed talks of a linal rindow of opportunity for tho horbs to be effecli\ebJ- beginning io take them during $e 5th {eek ofpfcgnancy. lhe reason she gives lbtthis is that Jnost D^tural nisoadages happen during the 6t} week ofpregnancy (\ahenmc struation is aboui a month late'stren you would bleed if not ptegtanr). Shc

describes the body as tenembe ng' blecding at this lime. I cant expLain thisplenomenon ir any scienliiic \{ay, but I havo ruaci successful herbal abo ion storics thatdescr;be the abortion happening at this lime eventhough ihe herbs had been giveD up o.for at ieasi a \\eek before 1is. which would supporr the theory ofthe body's naturalcycles slill having an effect.

The herbs can be coniinued u! udil the beginning oflhe 7ur week but nNst not bc takenbeyond this limc as any miscafiiaBe during or alier the 8th weck (giventlut the herbscan take a veek or more to work) is dangerous. This is beoause the placenta is fifln1yembedded in the ulerine wa11by fiis s1age, meaning thal jn thc event ofa miscadage thcumbilical cord is iikely to brcak leaving thc placenta inside the uterxs wiren the lirdlus iscxpelled. lhis can cause protuse bleedine, haclnonhlgc or setuus uterjne infecrionwhich could be life threatening. lhe chances ofthe hefbs working aller ihe final wiMo$ofopportuniiy is exiremely lox and so it is nor *orth the serious ds! 1o )orL| safcry.

!:

How to Use the Herbs

lhe herbs can be laken as lcr.linctures or capsules. The idea is lo keep a constanl lclelofherbs circulutirg tlrough ],our bod], so ibr lllis reason you should lale the herbs atregular inlcrvlls throughoul $e day .nd night. Set the alam to wake yourseu at leastonce or tlaicc in the right io lake a dose, as a wiolc nigll wjthout herbs could undo anyprogress yodve Dlade dudng the day.

I would reconmend laking line off whatever eise tou're doirg jn order 1o Jbcus on thelask in land. as it could prolc dillicult to take your hcrbs liequently ard rogularty if

,vou re tralellirg or very busy. Herbal abortion is nol easy and requires you 1() belbculscd. \'oLrr chances of sLrccess afe inctcased. in my opiDion, if you Sive youself

Discont;nue the hcrbs once bleedirg has begun, ifyou only get a liltle spollins thencortinue LNil you hare blo( no\l'ing properl). Hcrbs should be used for a maxnnun 01I (r I .i days. l his is because rle hcrbs alrd d osages Ne are dcaling with can be vet]slrcssfLrl on the body. 'l.l]e sk ol doing serious damage to ),ourseif is too great, .lon't pxl

JorlL o\ln health and even life al risk (as damage io the vilal organs calr occur ifJouoverdo the dosages or corllinuc beyond the upper limit of l$'o weeks) I hese hcfbs arcstlnng ard so your body will fcel taxed but it's very important not to dsk poisonhgyoLrrself. Stick io dre reconmended dosages.

Sone herbs ale more toxic thall othors and it does not follou $al lhe most toxic are thcnosl clTcctive in causing abotion. As $iih all medioines, a hcrb can cause differentreaclions in different people. Herbs \hich could cause very b.td sidc efecls in onewornan could be 1irc lor inoLher so lisren to you| body ard choose the oncs which arebesl fof you. Al any slgn ofpoisoning disconlinue ihe he$s rhat "vou are ustug.

,^.llhough dris mq sound a littlc patronising, you must ensure thal you start usrngcontraceptives immediatcly atuf the abortion. You may find Lhat you ovulale at anunexpected time as your crclc will take a *lile to scttlc back into any kind ofpallem (ilcould be earlief or larcr). May wonen have found thcmseLves pregnant again at thc nerlovulati(lr afLcr lhe aboiion so be caL€tull

Which Herbs to Take

Each herb has a u iquc aotion onthe bod) aud ir is xsefut 10 knowhow each oue worksin ofdcr 1o select tl1e dght ones ar the righl time. The herbs halc been calegorised bytheif propeties a d some hcrbs appear in lnore than one caregory as they afiicr the bodyin nore than one \!ay. Many herbs could caulo abortion singte-handedly but acombination ofcomplemenlary herbs could prove more efitcti!e. Choosing herbs wiihdifiercnt actions to each olher $ould be complemenrar], radrer th using sevcrul with1he same actlon. There is some evjdence to suggesr lhat using jusr one !o fbur herbs ar atime is bctlerlhanq-ing io combine a largdnumbcr ofherbs.

These caiegories coxld bc scen as an oversimpliUcation as lrhotc plants lavc .r va ery ofdiffercnt aotions combining to nlake each onc unique, but nelcdh€less ihese thre. basicgroupmgs are an in\aluable guideline for gcuing jt righi.

Progesterone Blocking Herbs

these are also retlrred to as'inplanlalion inhibiting herbs,as rhey arc the category ofherbs $at are used as energency contaceplion after fertilisalion. bur they re e0cctiveafter that period as we1l. Tlcy i'ork by imerfcring wirh ihe nomrat production ol thchonnonc progesterone, $ilhour *hich rhe lining ofthe wolnb bccomes ul}Suppofiile tothe lerlilised e8g. l,rogesterone is crucial o Lhe coltinued !iabjlity of a pregm.cy. Ifrheeeg has not yet implanted in the womb ihen ir is prevented ftom doing so nnd is expeltedalong rlith the lining. IfdF egg has already implanrcd, it deraches lioln the xnsupponivewomb lining and the lining $ill break do\\n.Cotton Root BarkW d Carrot SeedVitamin C(not a herb, brrt included here because it's readily avaitable. effective aDd non{oxic)Rue(this is nol a prcgeslercne blocking herb, ls placed in rhis catcgory as it does causethe so b linnu to break do\{n. It does this by decreasing Lhe termeabilily ot btoodcapillades in the womb)

Uterine Contracting Herbs

'Ihese herbs cause contracdons iD the uierus, which can expel ihe enrbrlo and are anideal ad.lilion altef a progestcrone blocking hefb has been used 1br i fc$,dars. Ottcnthese herbs cnn help to regohtc and stfengthen ant contractions rhaL are happenjng drLeto the usc ofolher abortiircients.

Dong Quai (Chinese angelica)BIue Cohosh

I

Cotton lioot bark

PennlroYalJ'rniDerNlugwortTaniy

iu l l le l \ 'b 'cause ulc InL (olr ocr i ! r ' ' be'"J 'e l f t ) r ( o\ \ r" j rc ' r :5 ncdr\r ldt t l 'c)

. r : r lL l , r e I re f r 'u i r .q horn. re U\J U( r ' lh i ' ' ' r l 'or 'n"rre thr n i nLlr lcc conl rcrron<

u. i f- l^ '", t , ' i"rppre ed br irre ooar " T od r r ion o' prore' erJre tor: l rh( ' i L L

urr". . _". ; ."n.1 () \ ] loci( hcrh\: ( ol ton Root Bnrk Bluc Cobo\h

Sol1re herbs causc contractions because thev conrain thc volalile oil lqiote Tlujone slso

;rnnnlalcs thc brain a.d is toxic in larye doses lhujoncGprcsent inmanvlrerbs..

i""i",iu,r, trr*t to.*'"rt. rvotrni"ooJwhich is used to nrake thc mind al&ring drinir

absinthe;opular ir 19th certury I ranoe lf used in a concentraled form or in exlremcr)

i . , , r " a"" . + 'Lr ' * . - *u 'ed.r ' ' 'L n cr l luc r ' r r ' r5 ( ' r \u 'or 'drd ! r 'n \ " r r t r

i . , r ' ' . r r rr i " ' . ' . ' . 1. . . kro$n o Brgger cn lep' ' ser/rres ' rrd ' ' herb' Lon.ar I r u

. , ,JoiLn'r \ r \e.oi , l ( -o\ l lose$r '1eo: lcp') lhe\ herb' ' r roLr ld beL'ed s r l \axror

u"i *;tf'uut "*"""aiog

a.sages slated l my opinion,lherc are many oihcr herbs that are

i"']r"" u*i" . *" u"r",c s;tecring alt fron this caregorv Thujone hcrbs: Junipcr'

Mugwort, TansY.

Oestrogcnic Herbs

i hcse herbs contai a nunber ol chemlcals that are similar enough 10 the lemalc

fr",'"",t" *u-** a 1n,-ic iis clTecis on thc bodl Oestrogenic herbs are thoughr to be

,.-,"*,". "iti"-ft -"fa "xllain

lheir eilectileness as abo{ifacients' hui as nost ofthcs!

i",l"r*,1* rr""A i" "*;t

catcgories then ir is likel-v to be one ofa nunber of

I 'o. . n . ' .o ' r lng os" ' .c Oe,r-Jger ' 'c I 'etb ' ' r cdu5e de5uufcr : t e ' iuc ena I ' e

" i '^ ." . : """ i . i r r1; t . r r r . rpn'r . r r ' " rd "c ' r rog'n deI 'J rdrn rLl 'un Lurar ' f '

i.* ".0"'u,r,- *u-g1. i$clfas iound in the contiaceprive pill i nvone iaking !he. .."',t*""p'ti'" p r, *yi'rrler ocstroger incdicarion ot blood pressuLe ncdicatior shoLrld

,""iJ**.l.itt, * "r,"rld

anvone \\ho's been adviscd agairst laklng oestrogenic

medicatiolr (like fic coniraccptiv€ till)Black CohoshBluc CohoshWild {hrrot secd

Pregnancy Testing

The mosl responsible thing to do before aitempling a lrerbal aboriioD is lo conlirm t\'ilh arest that you actually are presnant. There are mnny fcasois for dris |irstly. herbs lbrienninating prcgnaicy afe sirong and can be slresstul fot rhc bod), thercfore ifthe]'rc notneeded they should not be laken. Another tason is that ifyou take herbs and begin tobleed but only lighlly or for only a day you 1 11 necd ro kno\\' ifyou *€re pregntlr nrorder to know if lhis is a problcm. If pregnancy has bccn confimed this coullt suggcst anincomplete aborlion $hich would require redicai atlention (see rhe seciion enlitlcd 'whalcould go \\rong'). However, if you are not pregnad tben thcrc's nothing lo wor|y abouL

As we have rcadily available eafly detction preenanoy tcsts lhere is still timc to cmllovthe herbs after a iest. 'lbsts are available that can detec! prcgnrnc] at 8- 12 days aller

I'm a$arc Lhal this conlradicts lhe nessage to usc tlle herbs as early as possibte h fiepregnancy, and 1llilst ir is salcsl and most effecrilc ro begin as soon as lossible. lhismust be $cighed up against thc possible dangers to health ofusing herbs whenpregrancy s1a1us is uncertain. Rcmembet using dn ea.ly delecrion test only mcans adelay ofa iew days, which leales you rvell wirhin a sale lin1e scale for disruptnrgpregnancy ard to seek a clinical aborlnrn if ihis should iail.

Home pregnancy tests work by neasuring the presencc olthe Lroflnore 'h!un D clrorionlcgonadoirophin (hCG) yoxr urhe. This homrone is produced b] the placenta shortlr-aner $e enbryo has inplanled in drc womb lining and begins 1o builci up irpidly,doubling almost ever,- 48 hours xp to thc 60th-goth day ofpregnanc).

Not all pregnancy tests arc the slllne; some afc moru sensitive ihan othc$ Ilnlarrunarel-vpregnanc) resG rarely pri thcir scrNilivity on the plckging - they usually sa] thal lhcycan be used liom the firsr day ol a nissed period cr.D thoogh some can bc used scvcf.tldays befbre. The folloq,ing tablc has been compiled lrom infonnarion gaincd hycontacting manufaclurers. The tablc is b)' no means conplctc lrs yet; reseafoh is stillongoing irto olhcr brands. if ,vou lulc a test that you afe unsure abom it's sensiiivity it'soften possible b galn the information by dnging a phone number on the packaging.

The nost sensitivc tesi l\€ discorercd is Easisiix I' $hjch is prod ced by lasternPham1aceuticalsr. l,rn1b{unately it isn'l one 01't}e mosr \\ idel"v aYailable, I found ir in mylocal chenist lut nor in any oflhe supennafkets. il's also possible to ordcr it over theinternetr. Fun'ily enough. there is a pub h Derby thar has a vending nachine that stocksthis brand oftest in the l.adies ioileisr. Ifyou can'l lind Easisiix P t|en any ol ihe teslswhich can detect 25 mlu ofhcc would be fine. Thc tesls dlat detccl soDIIU oi lrCG arenot classed as early detecdon lests and should be avoided unless menstruation is ahea.tylate. Kno$ing lhe date,vou last ovulated is an extremcl) laluable piece ofinfonnation in

Name of Test Sens t ivity How eary you can use j t (ony a eude)

Eas sl ix P

Firsi ResponseRapid self test[JnichemEary BirdReveal

Boots own brandPredictorCiear Blue

25nr lU25 mlu25mlU25m'l.J25mlU

50 mlU50 mlU50 mlU

15 mlU 8-10 days afler concepiion

'10-12 days after concept on'10-12 days after conceptlon10-12 days afler conceptjon10-12 days afler conceplion'10-12 days after conception

The day your perlod s dueThe day your period s dueThe day you. period ls due

The lawest concentralian of hCG detected by each lest is neasuted i) nililnternattonal Untts lnlU). The lower this nunber. the more sensitive the test.

thjs sltuaiion so t|rt you cdn detem)ine exlrctLy $hen concepiion occuncd. Il you h^\'. Nfcgular 28-da] cl-clc fier ),ou dn most likeLy to ovulate on da,r' 14 or 15 and so you canlsc thc 25mlU tests 3 or i1 dals bcforc you period is due.

The lmportance of a Back Up plan

It is ritally inrtortunt ihal you,ve made a fimr decision to ie.minate rhe pregnancy beli)reyou altcmpr herbal abo i(,r. Herbs are nolarotally..tiable sayto end a pregDancy(esdnatcd atjrsr undef 50% effeclive. bur I don't know trow tlts figure is arrivcd ai asno scieDtific rescarch has been lnd.naken oD rhe subjecr as fdr as I rn aware). lfyou arcnoi successftl it is l:lfd,rtrl thal rou donl ca||y ihe pfegnancy to iemr. The ct.ect 01.these hcrhs on the developine ernbryo is largoly lurklo$n. i\1any olrhcse herbs xrebelievcd io be rcntogens, \a1ich are $bsranccs ihal cause ihc development ot.abnonnalilies nr an enbryo, wtich could resulr in a severet) defomed foelus. .t.his crrt!r . r (o i p.rr" ' l l ) i . s \ (n.r J, L le.r . . f45 \ . ,J 1 o.o. r , rnJ. . . . . - r . . . . . r . , , r r r1an.l so are highly !1lhclttble io danagc. These herts could atso cause prcblcDrs wirti rheplacenta (causing il to partiatty derach or develop abnomauy) which coutd nor o,rti.damage lhe cmbryo/Letus b$t also c.rusc dangcroLrs complicadons in tabo,rr.

h is therelbre drrofuli,t rract.r/thaiyotr are lrepared to go tlxough a ctinioatabo n)nbefore )ou atrempl a herbal one.

Whilst t&|dcally abortion could be rcfused, it is in etlccr availahle on dcmaod ii rheUK. flrc tendssirD ofr$'o docrofs is requircd to approve a ierminarid, dtthongtr oftenthe second doctor is sjmpl) a rubber stanp. A doctor musr approvc an abolion i t theybeliel,e thal the m.ntal or pnysical hcllth oflhc x.oman would bc ar risk ifshe *ereforced Lo have lhc baby. Mrny doclors believc that simpl,v havjng an rmnarted bab,vwould be enough 10 prt rhc womans menial hcatrh ar Lisk. Othcidodors nrieht wa;t rohearmore infonrotion .tbour $ty ha\,ing a baby rould be distressing to yor; nrcntalhealth, so be trepared. Docrofs

'yho lmle a specilic conscicnrtors objection to atorrion

arc obliged r{) refer you ro a doctor ihaL .loes noL Visit youf fhni\ pianJLing ctntc or E^\IJS

Direcr ifyou ar. unsure abour tle aritude ofyour dooLor.

Abonion is ar! i lable on thc \ t t \ {nd mnrt somen rcpof l no prohtt lnr in ot, tainingone. I]olrever as in all ireas ofpublio healrh oare, budgerary rcstriclions appl), dnd D.jraU abotions arc publicl), lnnded. In Scotland 96% oIa aborrions are NUS fL|lrrtcd bLrr jnEngland and Wales the figure is usua y lowcr. Eighr tnglish bcatth aulhorities havcadmirlcd tlat ihcy set specillc crire a (over and abo,0e any ouilinc.l in taw) ro prioritiselvomen lbr liee aboftion lr's not clear whether lhcy fund aborions for womcn \}ho donot corne under these categorics. A fttl Iist of ihe health aurtrodrjes and their calegoricsrs jn Appendix L Somc ofihese caiegori€s include being on benefits. bcing r,ndcrlor uucra cena agc, being a student, atready having se!.ral children, havnrg had trsrjonsabonions. IfyoLrf |calrh aulhorir,y has rcstricrive crileria an.t yon do not nreer rern, Ioucould consider lvilg (although they nray requirc proofof nrcome) or try noving loanother authoit) tcmpomrily (e.g. stay !,!ilh a tiiend or fetative). Some he:rtrh auLhoririesalso tirnd abodion related counselting.

For morc in{ormatioir or ho\\ 10 dclc njne whcn )ou x,ere fertile and $'lnt vour risk oi'pregrancJ' \ould rhcrolb.e be see $nmsisterzexs.conriLisk olprcs

Il you hxve iregular periods: lnegulaf p.rn s Dral(e il dillicult ro deteDdne \\'hen youovulaled and thcretbfe \rhen io xse a pregnanct tcsL. Sislcr Zcusa advises using threetrcgnancy lests in ihis silualion. lhc first twchc days after unprotecred sex, ile secondtlro days later. lfbolb lcsls arc lcg.rtile then the chalces of pregnancy afe los. howc!...a thir{l osl is advised, a \\€ek later, 1lr uke absolulcl! surc.

False Ncgative results

11 )ou gct a negative resLrlt irom your 1cs1lhen there is srjll a chance vou ale stillpregnafi. Ihis is beciusc thcrc is a possibiliry tl]at the lelels of hCG har e nol buill upsuftjcientl) i roLrr syslcrn to be detecled bl rhe test, dris ls especially a dsk at this eafl)staee. lf lou gcL a ncgative resuh, brt,vou stlll fccl prcgnanl lesi agair .lS hours later (r\Iclcls trrltc roughLy evelv 48lourt. Falsc l]ositive rcsuhs are Iery rare.

l. ]]aslcnr l'|amaceulicals lld. {bmb l{ousc, 7 St Johns ltoad, lslewc,|th. N.Iiddx TW7(NA

2. \\1la\'. $ esrrr shcal$.c o.uk,lacatalogI lhc $I,odlal| IIxr. tsridge Slreet. Derb.t-,1. 1\$\.geocilics-com/sisler _zeus of 1!1\1a:sisierzeus.colll

12

Your clinical options

Nlcdical Abortion: lfyou are no morc tharl 7 \4€eks pregnant (or nine veeks fiom vourlast Friod, which is how Lhe medical professioD date pregnancv) vou can ask for thc

'abodjon pi]]' called RU 486- lhis nrrohes taking a iablet to jnduce miscaniage ard ]oulbocl) expeis drc cnbry o wjthoul lhe use of surgery. The erperience Iill r'ar1 ftom

'volnan to \lonran. bxt cortractions 3re likcl) 1(] be quickcr and stronger than $idr a

You vill be nornrallr be under m.dical supenision in a hospilal for thc few hours that

it's likclt io lake, although sonr€ hcalth audn ljes allo\Y jt lo be takcn al home. Al homc

thcrc's le comforL oliarniliar sunoundings ll1ld controL; in hospital there's the colr1folt

o ' nrJ r j fa i r l i l le- . luu d \nL I ccJ rhem

lror nrore i.fomaLidr on ihe derelopment d history of Rt.486sce i4 lyonun's lloakt)j(.t?o/ier'by Jtebccca Chalkef (nr fie bibliosraphy).

Surgicrl Abortion: This i voives having iJre enlbrvo removed surgjcall"! bv a docror'

This is u$aLly done under gcneral anrcsLhetic, bu1 can be un.tcf a local anacstletic %u

dont usually eed to bc nr hospital for more than a dav

Uselul confacts:

Frmily Planning AssociationCharit! offerilg licc help and advice if ,\ou dor'i wanr to go to vour GP lhev olltr a

very colnplete senicc jicluding contlaceprion, noming aftcr pill' pregnancv test'ng'

abortion refenal, and iniir nation aboul councellirg Bevond abortion' th€ir progressi!c

$ork includes canpaigns to imPLove sexual l1ealih and rcproductivc rights fof all peoplc

h rhe uK.ww$'.Sa.org.xkItelphre: 0845 110 1334 (gan1-7pln \{onday-F'rida"1)

British Pregn,ncy Adyiso.] Senicel rce pregnano) iestirg and campaign for aborlion rights $ hi1si they are a I'ilaleorgmisarion. thcy siridently and actively campaip iar greater NHS abortion provjsior' Il

Iou arc refered fion a Gl' (or fanily plannjrg cljnic) )'ou n]ay be able to access their

Ilelplilrei 08,157 :10 40 3t)

Brook AdYisorr Senicclrce confidcnrial help and advice on all scxual health and lresnarcv issues for undel

25s.

Helplnrc: 0800 0l8s 023

NHS Direct24 houn a day 7 dals a rveek phone line oltcdng conljdediat mcdical advi.c ar)dinfom1alion, jnclxding facilities available in yolu area. Staffed by qualitied nurses .rndhealth visitors. Calls chaBed ar kroal rate.0845 4647

Abortion Larv ReIbrn' AssocirtionCampaigns to enshrinc in !K la$, and in pracrice a $omans righi ro safe, ticc lnd legllaborlion based uton her own infoflned chojce.w$$,.alm.org.uk

'lherc arc other private a borli{D provjde$ r\ho do U.cc pregnancy iesiing (\larie Stopes,etc).

Be arvarc thai some anti-nbortion sroup! oper{te under the guise of free presnancytesting and rdvice.lfrlrs logo inciudcs a tbe s or iis an ol'|cr otfree posi_aborrjoncounselling lrom someonc other rhaD the r,!HS or tocal couDcil. approach wjth c.turion.Thc most prcr{lent are Lilc (0t926 3 tt5i1 \l'1\srtifext.org and www.treghelt.org.nk).Another anti-abonion group is C]\RII (0800 028 2228 1\w\ylfegnancy.org.uk), wirc)operate clinics rudcr the name Aliernarives pregnncy Connse|ing Cenrc. I've gilcnthei phone numirers and websilcs as sdnclimes they'rc given out $ithouL it bei|g clcalwho th. ofgadsati{rn is.

F€rl e @i{allLlid undera mcloscope

tWhat to expect physically

1nc phlsical crpcricnce ofa successinl |erbal aborlion very much depends oD how lone)ou \ere pregnnnt. lfthe herbs rvere used before the secord week ofprcgnanct thebleedtus is likely to bc a bir hcavicr than a nonnal period $ith slightly

'nore cranrps ihan

As the pregnanct adlances the abofion is likel) io be nlore intense with more painlrcrlrnting and healicr bleedi.g for longer. lflhe pregnanc-v has advanced enougi. you\t'i1l scc )cllo$,ish tissuc $ith branch like structues (chorionic villi).lhis tissuc is usuall).nclosc.l in a blo l filled sac. lhis is the beghirg ofthe fLacefia and somewhere insid.is t|e develojring egg. $hich durilg tle firsL 5 r'ecks

'rill be !s lilile as 1-slnm.

As soon as bleedbg besjns herbs should be discontinued lo allow the body io do iislhing. I\pecr a Ior of blood but uatch out for haemordHge.

You mrst l use tampons, as ihe ccni)r is slill lilcly io bc rclarcd and opcrr thus naklngthe uterus prone 10 inltclion. Ii s lirr lhc sanc reason lhal )ou should avoid l'aginal seruntil ],ou slop blccdillg. l;sing mcnstNal pads or a cup allows lou 10 monitof $cbleeding ancl cxanrnrc {hal co.rcs out. A1lcf thc sac has bccn tassetl blccding $i1l slowdolrn and gradurlly stop. Bleediog should last fbr around teu da,vs. lf bleeding lasts nrorclhan iwo $,eeks then il nrar be a sign ofinconlplclc aborlior and should be chccled oxtbr- a doclor. Bl.eding onl,v a snrall amouri, sl ling and stoppirg or sfofiry could alsobe siglls (r1'hcor)rplele rbortio..

How krrrg n'ill it takc to rvork?

'lhis depcnds on many lactors c.g. touf overall hcalth. $c srcngth ofyour reproducdlesyslenr, thc qualit) ol drc hc rs. Thc hcrbal abo ion coul{i lakc as lilrlc as flre da}s buluslrall) longer. Do nol takc lle hcrbs lof lo ger thrn tourlecn days (as extlaincd carliet)

I Icfbs arc not a totally reliable nreihod of abortion and ,vou m a] not be successfirl .

Spotting

I1 spots ol bk)od begin 1() appear bur blood is not let flo$irg properly then youre ck)s.but not there yei. \'ou may \\'ant to consider increasirg dosages slightly at tlis poirt i1')ou feel rou re clcvelopins a toldancc. Or tou could add anothcr hcrb c.g. Dong Quai 1,inrcre$e contraciions. or parsley or Black Cohoslr lo sofien and open xp lhe cer x.

Jl ) ou'rc |ot sLre if $llat's happenirg b you is ror a1. orif)ou wani to confinn that\oor aborlio| was successlirl lherl yoLr cai go 10 thc doctor a d saj ihat ]ou'!e

Ii:q11r?'.i'&n!:":: T,t::T",:il'JT"i.,;:jli l"};lliiii; ii,lj # ij,',".reli[ed io hospirat straight away.

It you cxperiencc any oflhe 1btlowing syntxoms you shoutd seek medical a cnthu rjShla\!"yi

i:ll:in: ;it ff fi :'.'i:."f ii,i.til',i,x,iiu,l,ll"li"il*t :Lt:Tii,:lli 1,."treated inmediarclt

i;'i","il;l,iliJi,Il3ll,,iiiJ:i:*:Li- r00 5' rr/ 18" c rou cou,d ,.,ve ., L lcr ne

l;,::H':,"::::l:::::,li]oll experiercc a sharp pai,i in rrre abdomcn, parric,,hrry ollore srde, at any poinr during prcgnancy you nta], hare aran.ctopic p.egnanc), \anioh isver] farc bxl extremet). sdlious

Sympromsof pregrarcy $^utd hEain todisrr

1: *:l ;: ;h;,:::' iiri I ii' * I :rj,l,::iirlli. rl*;r*::T: H,,:i;, ;'H: 1".i; ;:l li.,.T:1ff i,1.- "".r ";; i; ; . ;.; i'i ;

;*ffi:ift|ilffiitf $iLtx1f"1iil;,5i*r,i,rrr,\roud be usen,l for

;'"1;:1"f;*[:Xi,:lli:; h"'b ru""r'uirdine th"

-m.nc svsten thal can be use., over

if i:!!';i i:? #!t"",#?rx.".T T l;.'f:l;liii,'JH.i,',,liJ,:,:tl;iJt:*","often sr.ess€d dudng herbal aborlion. tr can aiso herp .rr"* g","."i*i.r, ,,#i" -spasnb aDd cramping and has rn orerall higtr levet ;rri,*,i.-" _a nl;,,"rrir.

-"----

;ae#ilbal;r' Lcarts a xtcrine tonic wrrich can arso be nsei'ur ni preventins

;"r.:l:iif:,,9fi',x -t sl Joims urort is a good combinalion lbr anv row encrgv, n)ikr

Potential Risks

I f 1 ou h ale :r nt medicnl condition consult w ith a herbalist bcfor€ us ing t ny of thes(herbs. This is prrticul{rb inporlant ilyou havc ltigh blood prcssure, epilepsr',dirbrtcs, liler hcnrt or kidney problenls, rn ltrD, or iflou are prone to rllergies.AIso iflou'\'e had a rcocnl pel!io inllammalory dlsease or ifyou're taking anl olhcrdrxgs as the herbs may dangerousiy allcr thc way drc drugs

"ox1d nonnally $ork, ot

aggmvate fic medicai condition beilg teated wilh th. drugs.

Things that could go rwong

The nrosl cornDror froblcnr siur hcrbrl aborLion is t1l3t it fails to \\ork. Th.rc is nocertairt) thai the herbs sill work or ereryone. no rrallcr |orv farourable the condilionsarc. lflh.y dor't Nork lar you. thc treg a cr shonld not be cortinued. as thcrc is aer io, . r : . ' o l . i r I 'de'cr t . , r r . . ' r ' . i . . or 'Ju i rg l 'est . ' tc t .

'fhere arc scvcral othcr isks tou should bc rware ofbefore decidjng 10 do a bcrbalabo ion. \trhilsl thesc rcsulls arc all possible. the,r'are uncommon. Succcsstul abodion isa inr more tikel) outcome tlran an) ofthe mcdicrl conplicatio s lisied below.

| . Self pai:on D1g. I his can be sefious as darnage t( ) inrpoflant organs like ihe liver olcvcn clca1h oan rcsult lionr o'erdosiirg on some ofthese hefbs. Do not cxceed dosageslisted herc unless directed by a herbalist. Rcducc dosages al an) signs oftoxicity. Do noli gest essential oils as lbey crn b. fatally toisonous, as in dte case ofpenn"rtoyal.esse|iial oils must orly be used exlernally. Renlcrrbcf nol to take herbs fo[ nrore dran

2. Hdenturhose ftis can be lerl serious, a.d unl.ss lcllcd ii could be possible toblccd 10 dcaLlr. Soaki g a lnensiftLal pad iJr one ]rou or lcss is consideted haemordrag. !'seck nedical aliention.

3 ltuan ctc dho it,t. This happens $her some foelal tissuc is rclained irside iherr . r . . ,J r .ar ' \a. . . ( feal .c io,r . f rnblen

a) The tisnr. can putrcl! clusing uLcrinc infcctior which, ifuntreated, can rcsuil inste lil) or even death. The ii$r sign ol inlcotion \\ill be leler followed b,v abdomjnalpall..b) l|c utcrus is un.rblc to rclum ro ils noilnxlsize causiry haemolrllage tu occur. lhisna) nranilcst as nild blccdiru *licil lasts li'r an abrorlnaily lonS tinrc or rcry healy or

Both ol lhcsc situaliolrs Decd inrncdiale nredicrl alteniion. Mosl oflen a clinio.tl aborliorr|!ill bc pcrli)rmed to renrcvc thc rchainins tissuc. In lhe case of haemorrhage a bloodtrmsllsioD nny be required. lnlhe case ofinlcclion. antibidics willbe issued.

4..The.hetbt kill t|1t athtto hut tlt',ot expet it. B][c.ling trcgnrs but no Lissue is expe ..l.Bleeding na] oDly be slighi or may oDly tasr tbr a tw hou$ or a couple oidays.

'Symploms ofprcgnancy will persist, and a prcSnarcy tesr is slil going to Lead posirivee.!cn alier a week_ Ifyo| sliil hve tinre you can persist wirh rle herUi(emernba nor toe.{cedr l . l , ld.) navnrrr r i , . ' A "r ,oLrdn. | ,1, h(d.cr , rorct n ic$. c,r . . t , , , i fl l . enrt . \ . i . . r i l -1 i . . r i r errh. f r . \ . )o $ir 'nee.t l . "e(k.rctr r . . t . r ,J, . or ,

5. Echryic ?regnancr. lltis is a rare condition, bnr is a risk io be considercd \,".iihpr€gnanc]: norjrist \ h herbat abodior. tr is when rhe egg beconcs stLrck in rbefallopirn rube and begins to grow rere inslead ofin rhe ;aerus. this is a lii.erjrfelte irgsitua&rn as the growing egg Dray ruUufe fie ld|opian tLrbe. Ifyou cxpeLicnce strarp paiin the abdomen on onc side )ou mrLsr seek jmmediare merlical axenti;n.

Other things that could assist

Many oflhc srries ol'successlul hcrbal rbofions lbaL I lale read lalk oflhings )ou car

cio io assist youf frogrcss, and so l'!e collcclcd drese tils togcther' Jhis list is simpl) a

list ofthirgs thal I'vc hcard alld feel should be hcluded bu1 are circlnnst' lial, and $ arc

nor as reliablc rs lhc rcsi on the lnib.rnalion in fiis pamplicl l realise lhat some ofihcsc

things are what yoLr leasi feel like dohg in the earlv st{ses ofpregnancv while vou're

tncling nauscolN and tired Ho!\€leL. vou are aiming !o slop the bod) in it's tacks. and

so doirrg thirgs lhal '!ork

agai.st thc natural impuls. n) irrctect,vour fregnancv is what is

rccluiLcJ olyou. Almosr ail ofthc success siories I 1€ hcard have mcnlioned using al

lcasr one of these lips.

.or"sdnn tfhether frorn scx of nastubatron oryasns cause ulc ne confiaclrons ano

.ranl:wnnen tweaf thal thc) \\'cre the kc) 1() cnsudng a succcsslul aborlion li could

rlsoic rte relaration oL. alrd the improvcd circLrlation 1o lhe pehic afca associaled $idr

.cx of nasiruhrtion that is also helping There is also evjdcnce ro suggcsl thal Oxvtocilr

(thc hormon€ $hich causes utedrc contuactions) is felcascd duing orgasm lhis lip hcs

bccn Lepeated Lry suoh a iarge rumbor of soxrces that I lale io beii$c ihere s truth in il

. NiDDtest i t t t iot , This is r l rore el idcDcc lC) suggesi thathal i g lotsofsc) i isagood

rh;ngio rlo ar rhis tirnc - yon can ol course do it dufing nraslurbarion as \rc11 lhe renson

befilrd rhis one seems to hc the fact that orvtocir is releascd uhcn the nipples are

srirmrlated as rl is a lornolle irhich also has a role in lllilk production

. lqr./..irc - Nlan) sources lalk o I thc mle of \' igorous ejrercise Irn]rrovllrg circulalion

sill u doubtdl) assist the |erts in thei| $ork, $hilsl $e motion and rnoveJncDr night

b. hclpills to dislodgc the embryo (l have heard nurscs advising a iromn io run up and

down rhc stairs to hastcn fie orrel ol hcr nedical abodnlr (abodion pill)) \bmen hr\c

rnllelt ol ho$ cxcfcjsc scnls x ressagc to t[e bodv thal Llis is not a good time to bc

pregndnt. (;ercmlly bcing as pljsicalll aclive as possiblc $ou1d assisl scndi g this

. .SeDc, - sorrc \\onen beliele lhat dre preseice 01 scrten in the lagina io bc a lirclor rri

their succcss. i'[is couLd bc due to dre fact thal scmen coriains a chenical to sole at'l

oDcn the cervir Lo hc\r the semen cnlct Hoqever.l!c also been kn'L ftai ihis chcmlcal L\

oirlr prcscur in such small arrrounls thllits oi reall,Y usclirl for the purtoses ofaborLi(iri

Eirhei rvay, I ,t'll't see how it coold hin.tcrl lrequem ser could also be bcrcllciai fot

nmN rcasoDs includiDg thosc staied ahole l\'Ia)bc the gereral nolion and slinulxiion ol

fie ccNix durirg pe|elr.li!e sex is so'ncho'! uselirl in assisliig the dislodging ofthc

. H.rt B,//,s - this could bc hcltful b) olcning e blood \cssels and pfomding

clrculalion, b waier so hot ihxL it bnms you is ,.)/ dl dll nccessary - $omcn buningihcnrselves jD desperation is ! conrmon otd wjles rate, rhefc,s no trencfit irL ctoing ir.

. Medit\tio -11yor $aclice medihrion then ii wo ld be a good thing tu nse no$lsomc women belie\e rhal menta y ibcusing on rcteasing rhe spirit ofihe enbryo canhelp. also visulisarion rcchniqrcs il]vohing cooceDrrar g on the wonrb ljning breikjngdo\\n and biood flownrg. It is sometines said that rhc po$€f ofa focused nrind cin tr. asporcrtul as any nedicinc. E\€n it you don,t praclice meditarion. focusjng on rhc rea$nsfbr ftrt being !rcgnanL could bc cnrciai duri|g $is time as jr is a dil.Ucuttprocess rhalrcquires determnali(rr.

. M:r:as!ry.nu.bwet ird,,,,s, Massagc iechniqucs thar are used ro bring on. arassist in childbirth \{ould be uscfrt

. Ac pu cture a d acaple.iirrc - I've heard one sror) ofho$ an acupuDcllfe sessioni tendcd lo relieve paintul fericds was insrunrentai in a herbal abodi;n. tte woman inqucslion reF{ed iecling conlracrions during the s.ssion and abortim $,as successtult}nnde|!\'ay v.rT soon aRer\r'ards. I've also heard thar accuprcssure points can besljnulated in such a way as lo indLrce aborion, but unto uDarely j trale no dircct

. Sitling on $e roiler or squatiiDg. aM pushiog do,vn wirh your stomaoh muscles

. .Long hunry .dr riles - This is suggcsled on lhe Sister Zens wcbsire. and oontd be

ell;cLiae as pal'l oflhe gencral idea thai actiriry and moriorr scnd yo|r body tlr messagcthat now is not a good lirne ro be lregninl. I,\ ! hear.r of ore woma *,ho.; trc,l,alabordor goi undenvay alier an exLremel) bumpy ride in a.1x.1 accross rough lcrfah.

Rh negative blood tYPes

Acconpan)hg elctyone's blood typc is a positive or negativc srmbol called the ltlr

firct(rr $hi;h ;enoles 1l1e prescnce ot an alrigen in the tcd blood cells (ifvou arc Rh+'

you have tlc antigen. and ifyou arc Rh- vou do not).

t he follo\{ing explalatiot appLies to womcn $bo Lale Rh' blood iypes' I'm nor al all

ccrtain rrow Liely a scenrrl,i it i' tut * it i' trt"n ""riousl}

by the nledical trcfession l

am draNing il1() r"our atrention

lsoimnunisarion is a ptocess \| herebv $h€n a t o lan { ho is Rh- has a lbetus with Rh

bLood and aminule amou i oflbclal blood rdxes $ithhcrown The$omans rn]n1ure

slstem rcacts to thc preserce ofdrc antigen in lhe Ii)etal blood, producing antibodics to

aitack foeLai bloort oells. fhcre is a chance of rlis blood mixing haptening dudng

aboriion ormiscarriage. lhis has implicarions for an) foturc pregnancies this $oman has'

bicause illbe foetus is Rh+ again. her antibodies would altack ils blood cclls causing

severc anac ia ir the foetus tf]'ou belie\'c you may s'a'11 10 havc children ai so'ne

poinl, -r'ou shouLd consider this possibililv.

Ifyou hrle lth blood typc and you have a successful herbal aboilion, i1\ould bc a good

id;a 1o visit the docLor within 72 hours of s1al.ting to bleed as dret can gile vou aD

inieclion to stop you producirg antibodics (it do's ihis bv fooling the bodv illo thlnking

it's !lLeady produced them).

I hare rcad ilal foetal blood onl]- Froduces it's Rh artjgcn in the 1]th \ieek ofpregnanc!'

dlus at thc early stage we are talking about there woold bc no risk ofisoimnrrnisalron

Ho,r'ever I larle rr{rr confimred tbis lacr ard so \aould be vcrr unsure abour discolllliing

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Dosages

I he dos{ges I've gilcn here are as precjse ls I can find ]Io$'ele! Lhcre x1e man) factors

lo be 1*cn nlro coNjdcktjon lnearing that dosagcs car nclcr be exacl You must bc

tfcprred to us. )our o\1'r jtrdgcne t and iduition PoEncies ofprcparatjons can larv,

somc tincirres thal )ou but at. slfonger thd1 oLlers ^rc.

lrnd a l)efbs potency dcpends oD

factors suc| as. qualil), licshness and how i1's bccn siored. DiiTerert plarlis ofthe same

lariei! can also have larying amounts of arl gi\cn chemical |ecause ofnaturallv

occurirg faclors. lr is for' llris rcason thal \ ren begirrning aDl herbal heamlenl voushould s;l1 at Lhc lonest in dre mn-qc oi$e dosages gi1en, increasing or decreasing if

ncccssai--a dctcndiu on hoB you r€el. and whcther lou cxferie'ce scvcre side c{Iccts

lncli\iduals may rcaci very rlilcre tl) 1() each orhcr and personal coNjdculion can also

t . \ : r f ( ; l - 'J- ,e iPr . r" . r . r )ce \n ' i r i t i \

Purchasing herbs

Ilcrbs ale best boughl fresn. howeler. arc rDuch easicr b find in fieir dried lbnn \\ihcn

buynrs dried herbs, try- to enstre their ovcrall freshncss llerbs should smell licsh (tol

musl) or rnouldt) and took ftcsh (flosets alrd lenres slili haling rhcir coiorn) Siore

hcfbs in aitiglrt collairers r$a] ftom direct sunirghl

First choi(c lbr buyjng hcrbs is an independent hcalrh food shop or h€fballst rD lour'1o$rl Chain st{)res ljke Culpcpper ardNeal's \-ard usualLv canf a good u'ge ioo \bu

$iU be able to bur- the eract quarlit) ,vou \!ant aDd le able to check the 'Lua1i$

lf)ou

oamot find a suptlier iD,!ouf l)r'11lou could usc mail order or onhe supplie|S Nlakc

surc lbat lbc) have fasr d.lil'ery belbrc yon order' as herbs thar take wecks io arrivc arc

lherc arc nLrrnemus mail ord€r placcs in thc tlK thal scll some ol Lhc relelnnl dried

herbs rncl cven nrofc th.rt se1] liesh herb'i. Hol'ever, wc !e orll lisLctl ones 1'e knoN do

fast delilcrr' r dlor orgxric sLrpfl'cs

How to prepare herbs\ hter based preparations:

hdividual herbs |ave lleir o$n recipes bur .r basic guidc tbr a srandarct decociion orintusiolr is 500D1 of\rarcr to 30g of dried herb. Dosages rilcn assrLmc this tulio Ll]llcls

\\'hen using the licsh lealcs or tlo{cfs you wi I need r{r use $fce neasrn.es as oftoscrlto one ofdried (c.9. rlrlec spoooi'uls insrerd ofone) to accouDr ibr thc cr-'!a ,\dr.f coll.ntin dre herb. \Vood! sLe'ns rnd rcots don,t have a laree Nalcr con(cnr l}]rd y) Lhe 0()btcIr

Inlusion

'I h s is lhe easiesl wrly ro prcpare a hcrb and is appro| ale Nhcn usiig tcaves. U,)i\ el\atul non \,!ood] srenls ol rhe herb. Infusions are also used \rlrrD rhe subslnnces )ou \!ishto obtain iom rh. herb are readily sotubte nr waief or boiling ivo td ttcs1Joy ifihepropciics tou n.ed.

<1cyR \ s ' i t re rn . r , , . r r . n. l ( .nr t . l ) LJ l . . i l :nL $Jr. | : d o. . r . r r r . , , \e, r r .i , | tAl I 'e5.Jr ' t ' \ 'n.^\Fin, i ,d, . in; l . .eet .1, , . tL,_r i , rn. ! . , . .t { t f l ' u ' , . . ,

'1. . ic r , . :pcr iod i . . te. , , . .J orrk, t re , r . t , : .1- t . to\ ; ,

a teapot or in a larlejar with a inl fierr sLraired lnd dnrd,. \b| caD lnake cnoLrgh ti)lsel,eral doses iD one go bul intirsioD! deledorate rapidly so rced ro bc nntlc ticsh eachdav.

To lnakea strcnger irlusion usc a srong aidiglrl iaf (Iyrcx or lhiok gtass is req0irc.l).Pour ihe boiline $.trcf inro thcjar ovcr the heLb and leave for laur hou ar roonrcrper",L. l re. , . l ' r ! ( , , r | . i r rar . .

" r td r fe.er. . , r r t4 t - . c. r . t . , ro.r tv rh

lo make it e.Lsier to take,vour doses.

I)ecoction

This is used b extacl the aclivc ingredients liom ",ood,!,

trard fitrfous maLcriil (e g. roolsand bark9. The heLb and wiLcr are placed itl a pan and sinmer.ed on a lo* heat ido rorboii) 1or lcn io fiftcen minurcs, or fof a time tcriod appfopfiarc to that hcfb. A ti(l onthe tan $ill crsure no volatile oils escrpe. Decoclions mnsr be used bclbre rhet begh toiemLr hl i . r .dr b. 'd.r l .o. . ren t iq Lonr, . , .cdr.e!1. . . r rJced Irh< r , a!<. $,

SufeLb suptll.r o a c.uprchcnsite ranecofdrica hcrbs. inchrdins I)ong QMi, LllackCohos,, u ue Cohoth. l tue. Pcnn)ror i l .Il !]lvort.lunipor and Tans).L: .st d. l iveLa. of l lne order i rs

salesa0 bdldRits.co.ultSlrof : l r l Wal*odh t{() id. Lotdon020 7701 :,ri0 (9anr 5.10n,t, \{on sit)

The Orgxnic tlcrb liading Cotnpanr_Tber carry . $ide raree oll,crbs inacl'dingDon.s Quai, Illue Co|.dr. l'emlroyal. l.ns) r lRuc arrd.ai dcliler ln ibolt 2{ drrs. Tl,clwrk olt rcasonably c|cdp, but ) ou have 10 bL I

rwr'.o|gani.herb1ralling.$m0182: l401205

Je[k.'s Ecrb fifn (frsh. organic)R $w lckkaslle.h inm.coriift m@ jekk.sb.$turf r.corr014,r .1118878

Syrup

Honey or sugar ca]l be added to a decociion to increase the palatabilit) ofthe bre$ andincrease the sheu lile for up 1o six mondrs. A synlp requjres equalamounts (by $cighr)ofsugal to decoction (e.s. 250m1 decoction io 2509 sugal). Honey is i$'ice as sweei assusar and needs half a! much (e.s.250n decoctiorr ro 1259lone"v). Add lle sweetenerto thc hot iiquid.Increase the heat until the brc\\'is ainosr bojling and thcn lakc it offl|e|eat. I'orLr the hoi syrup inio a sterilized bottle and cap it. Oncc coolcd thc str'tLp shouldbe stored h the ftidge.

Alcohol based t incture

Alcohol is generalb a better soh ent fbr herbal propenies thi r walcl and also acts as apieseraalile. Home made tinctwes are probably not as usefr jn this siluation as rhevlake al least two weeks to nmke Gome people think they shol d be left for six $eeks ornrore). but -vou may {ish ro make linctu€s 1lr keep for emergeDcy siluations as. if slotcd\aell. drey can last several )ears.

The advanlagcs ol linclurcs rre that ficy ha\e a long shell lili, ale easier lo cnlTy alound,are more concentrated (so thai )ou don't need to ingest as nuch flujd) and norc polcnt.

1br will need to use alcohol of at least 30% (e.g. lodka) h older 1o lare a ligh cnough$,aler/alco|ol ratio. 5091, is idcal and will make a standard tincture (lhe dosages in thisbooklcl assumc a slaDdard iircrure is bcing uscd). Ilighcr perceniages are rmrch morcefiective for extracring volatile oils and alkaloids. Use l25g ofdricd hcrb or 2509 oifresir herb. lJoxr 500rnl alcoholonto ihe herb aM close the coniairer tightly (an ail1ightconlainer should be uscd). Iflhc hcrb and alco|ol don't all ljli1t Lhe jar fien you can lopit uf the nc\t day ivhen soJne oflbe alcohol las bccn s{)akcd up bf the herb.

Usins a 500 iar and keepinc it topped xp is a good idea becaxse spoilage is nore

Vitamin C(ascotbic acid)

Inlonmlion aloui thc usc of iitanin C as ar abo{ifacicnt has been passed aror.ud ihefeninist conrmu iiy since dre se\enties. lhe Sister leus websire has numerous personalslories of womcn who \ e used vjlamin C successfuil] . sometimes in combinalio withherbs, to terminate rheir pregnancies.

Although vilamin C is nor a herb, il s one oflhe less roxic and most easily found ofan)th g availallc for temimti g pregmncy. lt aiso has a good rate ofefectiveness{hen conpared with herbs used lor the same purpose.

Vitanrin C can be used as an implantation inhibitor and as an abotitacienl:As an implantation inhibiror.r Vitamin C stimulalcs ocstrogcn and inhibits progcslcronewhich pLoduces a !cr), Lrnfalourable clinate uilhin ihe ulenrs. The rcsult ofthis is thalihe egg wjii not inplant itself in the Nonb lining. (see 'vitamin C as an emergency

,,ls o dbo ifucient Alter inplantaiion prcgesterone is still essential for the conrinuingviability ofthe tregnancy. This is becausc progestcrone is necded ln order for fie liningof the utems to continue being suppodive oflhe feniljsed egg and to prevent it tionlbreakins do\an.

Vitan n C can aDd has produocd aborliorr \rjlhoul dlc hclp ofolhcr |erbs. Joy (;adcnclwrilcs "Dont conblne fiis remedy \r'idr other reas mentioned Ghe mentions Pcnnyft,yrland Blue Cohosl) because thcy may coudcracl each olher Women \\ho bale uscd bolhremedies sjmulianeously lave had less tavourable resulls than ihose who Lrscd only oncar a time. lhis mat be because litamin C is a powcrful anli'toxnr. so il could Lrllil') tl)c€flccts oflhc |crbs. This is unconfirmed.

tlne combinalion thar has been successfull) used on sevcral occasiors is vitamin Cl wlthDone Qxai and Parsle,v. Vilamin C stan'es the uterus ofpfogestomrc, and lhcn afler 5days Dons Quai is added 1lr stuergthen uterine colrtmctions alrd expel the embryo.l'arslc) rclaxcs and softens tlre cenil.

lhe best tlpe io use is Ascorbic acid. although Joy Gardncr wiles that calcium ascorbaleor sodium ascorbatc arc also oh. Pure vitamin C is best. although any ofthe man-yvitanri. C products would be acceptable. Choosing the product rvith the fewer additionalingrcdicnts {ould bc bcst. so thal ) ou avoid taking large amouris ofsugar. flalourings

r(i olhcr chcmicals It is suspcoted thal bioihrinoids are added to vilamin Cr to protecttrFrinsl miscari.sc. lt is csscnlial therelirre 10 choose a product lhat contains nobi,) l l i rv inoids. l toschip is . hiol l i rv inoi( l r ' rx l dn)ul( l x l$ be rvoided.

likely iilhere is an air sap h fiejar and ao) plart material isexposed to il. Kecp tbc co ainer in a $'arrn place away liomslfong sunlight and shake {ell once a day fin at lcrst two wccks(althouph some say at least six weeks). Decant the bujk oftheiiquid and strain the rcsidue drough n)uslh (wrnrsing ont rhe lastdrup). Siore the tincture in a dark, airtighi bottle with a dared label

ll

I

I

:

Dosage

A range ol dosages hale been suggested lion 6 grams per day lo lwetl,e gnms per day.lirorn rcading the pcKonal accounls ol herbal aborrion oD ihe Sisler Z€us website ilseens thal mosl success siories invoh,e the ligher doses. I $,ould adlise hking 10 - 12

You should djvide your total grams for ihe day into equal doses equally spacedthroughour ll1e day. ud as ma) limes durnu rhe nighr as you can rnmagc.

Safety

Anyon. wilh scnsitive kidneys or an) kind ol kidncy problcms sbould nor use lilarniD CThis is bec.luse excess anounls of vitanin C in the bod) are elhinalcd through thekidncys which can put lhem undcr shain.

|eopl€ $lro takc anli-coagulanls (e.9. aspirin), 1\,no havo sicklc oell anaemia. or havedifticulty metabolising vitamin C should consuh a doclor bolbrc takiDg mcga'doses ofvilamiD C.

Possible side effects

Mosl offie seious side enbcls involved wilh such high doses of\,itlmin C are oDIr-applic.$le il such doses itrc suslained oler a lorg period. The 1,1 day usage se aretalking aboul hcrc mean ll1ar ftcy are unlikcly to occu.

Abdoninal cranps, hot flushes. rashes, conslipalion, gas and diarboca, hcadachc,farigue, acid stomaoh dnd kidney iffilation may occur

*14a{.mothernature.com have the foLlo$ing infonnation abo the safet} of vitamin C:' Vilanin C is non toxic at levels far in excess ofthe RDA. Soln€ individuals delelopdianhoea ftonl taking approx. 2,000 to 5,000 mg per da)', r'hile elen ligher levels donol bothd otl1crs. High levels of vnanin C can deplclc lhe body oflhe essellial mincralcoppcr', so lake a coppeFconlaining mullinulricnt lbrmula il you're mega dosing on C.High doses of vitamin C may also increase the risk of kidney siones in sone people.alihough srxdies indicare that those l\'ho do not have a hisrory of kidney stones, severekidne-v disease or goui are nor at risk. Because vitamin C ma,v increase iron absorpdon,chcck wilh a doctor ifyou suller fionl jron ovcrload and want to take high doses of\ilar'lin C."

Joy Gardner expresses concerns thai higi doses of viiamin C makes the kidneys used toexcreling large quadities of vitamin C resulting in a deficiency *'hen high doses are

siopped. Shc auggests gGdually decreasing doses over the course ol lhree da,vs.

Vitamin C as an Emergency Contraccptive

hao 500ng tablets (non-chew$le) should be placcd inside the a.qina inmediatclvfollo\ing unprolccted sex or coldom rupture and repcaied iwice a da)' for three davs.This increases thc acid levels iD tle vagina \\hich should kill of the spenn lhere is noguaranl€e ihat rhis sill be lcr0% efeolivc but it $ould grcally decrease the chaoces ofspcnn making it to thc egg. This may cause irritation; soothe widl Aloe Vcia

Vilan1in U can also bc taken iNernally as an emergenc) conlraceptive du rg the tirnebet{cen conception and when mensiruation is expected. Sislcr Z€us does not believe iris as eflecrive lrs ihe morning-aier pi1l. but ir can be used jfyou are too late to usc it(lonser rhaD 72 hours since concepiion). l'ollow thc same procedure as lsins vitamin Cas an abodlfacient as abole. The menshual cycle has to complele itsell so bleeding willnot begin nuch earlier than usual as a result ol laking vilamin C

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Dong Quai or Chinese Angel ica(Angelica Sinesis)

Chinese, Amedcan and European aneelica are t|ree differcni pla s or fie same variet-s.The Chinese variety, dong quai, is fie nost scientificallt' researched oflhe goup andreponed to bc Lhe besl for use in herbal abonion. American and European vafieiies, qhile

not as well researcbcd, borh have reputations for haling similar ellecls and have beenused by herbalists lbr generations. Angelica root decoction syrup ;s repodedly used b-vsome nidwives to bring oul the placcnta aner labour. Dong Quai\ name can be wntlcn'dong' or'dang', and quai', 'quoi' or'gui'.

The root is oflen relened to as 'female ginseng' and is dcscnbed as havirg an affDityqith the female consiiiution. Dong Quai has two very ditltre effects or the uterus; ithas th€ ability to Jllrrrldre contractions, and also to rela{ fie xterus and thereby rrrti,}contl"ctions. The effect depends on how you preprre the herb.

Dong Quai's relaxins effect on the uterus cornes from volatile oils contained in the root.Volatile means rhe oils are easily destroycd. When the aim is to capture tlem, bre$ aninfusion. The relaxing effect ofDorg Quai is useltrl lbr dysmenoffhoea (pairtul

When the aim is to stimulale srrong co-ordinated, regular confactions in order to bringon delayed menstrualion or cause misca iaee/abortion, thcD a decociion is used. lhesimmering ofthe herb deslroys the oils, rhus leaving just the uicrine stimuhnng

Therc is disagreement as ro sncther a tincture is useful or nol. Sister Zeus says thal atincture rr useful as th€ volalile oils are not extacted into it. Uni Tiamat slates thaialcohol'bascd prcpararioru (such as tinctures) only lroducc thc urerine relaxing effect. 1havent been able 10 resolve ihis contadiction. so I'd advise sticking io a decoction or asyrup ofa decoclion.

Dosage

The root is rhe pan uscd. Look lbr qualit) products conlainins only ihe root. Do not usethe fresh |erb, only use it dried. Ioxins present in tho iresh root are eliminated by the

,ecrcrlofl: Simmer the chopped dded root in a covered par fbr l5-:10 ninures. Ddnt a250m1 cup every rhree to fbu| houls.//rcnl/e. 5-15 drops in a cup ofwarm water every four hours (allhough some sources saynol to xse it this wat.

Cdpr,/asr from reports on ihe Sisler Zeus website. an eilecti\'e dosc seems to be

I ,000mg every lbur hours.

Safety

People wi 1 a historl of cancer or who are at risk of hcafl anack shouldn t use lhis herb

Ify;u lake blood-thinning agcnts like aspirin do not use dong quai or other angelica as

these have a lendenoy to increa^se bleeding

Possible side effects

The one that's most concerning is the tendency io inorease bleeding This mises concem

wben this he$ is used to end pregnancv as it can increasc the risk lbr haenorhagc lf

you dccide to use this h€rb, pay particular attentjon to how much vou are bleeding To

iecrerse the risk ofhaemorrhage. disconlinue use ofdong quai (or other angclica) once

bleedlng is established

Angelicas are photoroxjc, this means if voll are exposed to strong sunllght aftef using the

herb you nay develop a rash lnsomnia mav also be a side effect lfvou experience

laboured breathing oi weak and rapid pulse reduce the dosage Olher possiblc side clTects

are dilated pupils and stonach pain

t

Blue Cohosh(Cau|ophy um thalictroides)

Blue cohosh is a powefirl berb lion Noth America 'lhich

has a wide variety ofuses.Native American Chippewa $ise'wontn used a stong decoction for conrraceptivepurposes. lt is famed for ils abilily 1o rdgger and hasien chiidbifih and deiiver dre

Blue cohosh is often used alone or in conbination with other herbs for the regulation ofthe menstfual cycle and to ease painful menstrual cramps. It is also used in fornulas tolrea1 endometriosis chlamydia and ccrvioal dysplasia. As a ulerine bnic, il nor.rdshes andrevitalises the uterine tissue in a variety ofcitclnslrnces, inclxding after pregnancy,miscar age, abortion or coming offrne Pill.

lllue cohosh coDtains at least two substances thar cause the uters to contralt; oxylocin (ahomone produced duing ohildbirth) and cauLosaponin, a unique substance lbund only in

Il is also an oestrogenic herb, mcaning ii contains oeslrogen-like subsiances and can haveoeslrogenlike side efects (those with oeslogen-dependant iumours should not use thishe$). lfyou are not supposed to uss thc Pill fien you should not use this herb u essundef the gxidance of your herbalist.

11 is commonly used with pennyroyal (an abonilacicDl) 3nd/or black cohosh *'hich helpssoilen the cervix and relax the os (thc rnuscular opening ofthe cervix). lt also encouBgesco-ordinaled uredne contraclions and accordnrg 1o sone sources black cohosh is used totemper the intensily ofblue cohoshs contractibiliry.

Susan weed has a high opinion ofBlue coirosh wh.n il comes to terminating pregnanc]and spoke ofusing blue cohosh alone, although Sisler Zeus ihinks ii s beter in

Dosage

The root is thc pal1 of ihe plant lo use- Some souces state lhat the aboiilacied qralitiesofthis herb is bcst .xfacted in alcohol, avoid gl-vcerine based-based ti.ctures.

l-hi liamal gives these dosages:Dero.rlor?: Simmer for 20-30 minutes, 125m1-250m1 thrce 10 four times a day.Tincture: '/, to 1y, teaspoons, tbree io fbur times a da).

Jo) cardener wrires about pennyroyal and blue oohosh:

Pul two labtespoons of blue cohosh, t{Q tablesNons of pennvroval and nvo inblespoons

olpeppermini (to improve the laste, may have some mild cnmenagogue qualilics) inio a

largc iar. Boil 1 % litres of water md pour o\'er the herbs, cap tightlv slee! fof 20

mi;utes. Add honcy ifdesjred Drink in 5 to ar doses throughoul fie day She adds'

menslruation should start by the sitth day. Bleeding shouid bc not more than double

your normal anorlnt for the tust da,v or t\\'o ' She notes thal American pennvroval is

stronger than Europ€an.

Susan \Veed giles thesc dosesBlue cohosh should be taken as a tincrurc. 20 drops oftincture in a cup or \\ann l\ater

8B 20 drons each ofblue cohosh lincture, black cohosh lincture and pemvroval iincturc

(NOT the essential oil). Drink slowlv in a cup ofxarm watcr cvery foll| hours

OB 2 rablespoons of dded blric cohos| root, 2 rablcspoons of 'lded

tansv and 3

taUlespoors of dried pemyro) al lea\€s Put a liirc of watet in a pan xifi fie bluo cohosh

an.t bring to the boil. Put ihe olher herbs ilno a large srrong iar and pour on the Juscboilcrl blire cohosh rnix. Tightly screw on thc lid and lcave lbr thidy minutcs' Reheat to

drink. If ) ou wan! to use a tincture jusl miss out boiling thc herb (bur sdll boil the {rater)

and add 20 drops of tincture 1o the cup of tea when rehealcd

She advises a maximun of five days of thesc treatnenis.

Safety

Caulosaponin (presenl jn blue cohosh) also has lhe action of mr]owing thc arteries lo lhe

heart so ifyou have a his1ory ofhigh or low blood pressurc. heatl disease d stroke thcn

.vou sbouldnt usc this herb Anyonc with diabetes. glaucoma ot kidnev damage should

tslue cohosh is an oesttogenic hcrb and has oeslrogctllike sidc efects' cg abnormal

blood cloiting. liver problcns and oeslrogen-dependani tumours Do not Ltsc iivou've

been advised no b take the Pill

Possible side effects

Pain in thc 1imbs. vomiling. pound;ng headachcs Reducc doses if you experrence these

Blue cohosh, ljke nany ol the abortifacient lrerbs, cin be taxing on ihe kidncvs lo

redress this, Uni Tlamal rcconxnends ddnkiig nettle lca as pan oflour abortion

Rue(uta graveorens)

Rue has been hisiorically used as a tea to induce miscariage by wolnen all oler ihoworld from the Mediterranean and Europe to Latin America and North America. Ruecontains t\ao chemicals ihat $'e kno$ have the abiliiy to cause abodion during earlypregnancy. One is phlocarpnE, which is xsed in velednary medicine as an aboniiacicDtfor holses, the other is rutin (or vitanin P) whjch hardens boncs and tceth andslrengthens arleries and veins. Rulin dccruases capillary permeability in the uterinelissues, r'hich causcs the womb lining 1() bcoomc non,nuhilive to ihe fertilised egg. Itutinis sonelines available sepa|alcly in capsulc lbrln.

Dosage

/'y'rrt r: l-3 lcaspoons por cup, 3 i{) ,l times daity. Boil the water first then pour boiled\yarer over tbe dried herb. Do not boil rhe herb in water as this desirovs the herb sproperties. Steep for ten minutes.fi?r./r/er 5-15 drops, 3 to 4 iimes a day.C'dtuler' 1-,1,I 1() 4lines a day.

Safet]

People who have heart, liver or kiilney problems shouldn't use fue.

Possible side Effects

Rue is a very strong herb, stimulaling the uierus and ncrvoLL! sysleln. RueRulin sbouLdnol be used in exccss or on a prolongcd basis as it can cause kjdney initation and liverdegeneradon. Thc cssential oil is highly toxic and should never be used inlernaLly. When

PennYroYal

American pennyroyal (hedeoma pulegoides)European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Dudng American colonial limes a tablespoor ofbrewers veasl was frequcndv addcd to a

freshly bre$'ed oup ofpennyroyal iea 10 induce aborlion llis conbinarion is meDtioned

in King's I erican Dispensatory in lhe lalc 1800s as 'reputed 10 b€ a safe al]d effectile

aboriifacient'.

Pennyroyal is a $€ll"known aborlifacient whjch causes lhe uterine muscles to contract' il

is said to be very elT€clive and is sonlerimes combined {iih Blue Cohosh or mugwort

Europem pennyroyal is also known as Crceping Pennyoval, I'udding Grass or

CunniDghan Mint, with the tallcr version known as Upright Pennvroyal Jov Gardener

notes thai American pcimyro)al is sironger than Europcan

Dosage

the l€avcs and flo$'cr iops arc lhe part used, and are €lleciive as an irfusion' or as a

iinclure addcd lo hot water No more than four oups (250m1 cach) a dav, for no mote than

file days. Bhc Cohosh can be mixed 1,J help with crampingi thee recipcs includingpcnnlroyal arc listed under tslue Cohosh

l,Asnrrr Stecp 15-30 mimules, 75nl-200m1 even lhree to lbur hours

Tindurc: 2O 60 .lrcps (r\ ta I ieaspoon) e\€ry thrce to four hours.

Iflou have access to the fresh penn)royal herb vou can make an oil infusion bv soaling

rhc fresh herb in olive oi]. This preparation is also for extemal use' it nav be rubbed into

the solcs ofrhe tcet and into the abdomcn lhere are uterine iroints on thc Achilles

terdon - massagirg then wilh pemyroyrl-intused oil mav also bc helpful by

encouraging nieriie contractions The oil infusion is no1 as conoenlrated as the essenlial

oil. ii will nol irritate thc skin and more liberal amornts 'na,v

be usccl

Safcty

The essential oil of pennyroyal should NIVER be used iitemallv cten n snra]l amounts:

it is a deadly poison and it is not a pleasanl wav to die. The essenlial oil mav be used

extemall]' oDl), but as il is exiremely potenr il car calse skin ilritation lhe tea poses

littlc 1() no fatality hazald. Uni liamat wdtes. 'l havc found pcnnlroval lcafidusion to b€

using rulin read thc label. Usirg rulin capsules may make you feelanxious or iearlul duc 1o its etact ofkeeping adrenalire in thebloodstream. Reduce dosage ifyou experience severe sromachpain, vomiting or convulsions.

very eftcciive and safe in m) osn herbal abortion expcricnce. Inyone $'ith kidneydiscase or damage should nol use pennyroyal'. ALso, those wifi ahistory ol kidn€y sionesshould avoid FnnFoyal. She notes thal ifyou ha\€ not had rcsulis by one week thcndiscontinue, as extended use may damage ihe central nervous syslem, kidneys and liver.

All abodifacjents can be taxing or ihe kidneys and liver' Anyone wilh healthproblems,especially wi$ lho liver and kidneys, should consuli $'ith a herbalisl or nidwife befireusing arry ofdese herbs.

Possible side effects

Nausea, numbncss in extremities, dizzincss, sweating. lbo much is highly roxic and theessential oil is deadly. lhe most conlnon side effecr with this herb seems lo be nausea,repotedly affecfirg ihe najoriry ofwonen who use it. So ifyou choose to usepennyroyal rhcn be awarc ofthis, plan lo lake it easy and expecl not to feel your besl.

Wild Carrot seeds(Daucus carota)

Whilsr the Latin name is the same fof lhe $ild as lbr the cultivaGd canot' the planl is a

ait ..nt ".i"rv

tnut co.-on1v gro$s in hedges and verges all oler the liK' The seeds

"i i , . i , r ' ' l r ' . ' "

l . g" ' rrer(d fruir $iU or DoJLrhr " n pl l l r suppl ier ' rhut hc !eD.

f" fenl lospeci ' ) hr/Jcarr ' t r 'eeJ' tr ' l le) arL n'r a\drLblc l ior herbol \ loc\rsl \ ' ue

aware thal non-organic seed supplicrs may hale treated the sceds $iih chcmicals to

i deas€ iheir gL'nnjnatron rales.

the Wlld Carroi is also kno\\'n as Queen Anne s Lac€ in 'qmcrica (ald thcrefore in a lot

ofthe rclerenccs for $'ild canot as a contracepdle and abo{ifacicnt) ln ihe UK Qlteen

Anne's l.ace is also sonetimes the common namc for Cow Patsle)' (dud?rtrcr/s Tlterlrts)

"'rri"rr i" . air..""t pr"*

"nd does not hal c d1e same pfopedics l hcv are t-oth from tho

""t" f"rniry *a fl"i. ti"'tilar nowers lb garher wild Carrol seeds votrselivou $'i11

r"".it" nna "

g"oa f*ra g.ide to ensue correct ideniifioatlon as several poisonous look-

"riil "."r' r. [" *"* dmilv llo\rcrer, thcrc is a reliab]e \\'rv b iell it apad from its

look alikes, and thal is the disiinctive brisiiv hairs on it's slcm (hence thc old saving as

sure as the hairs on QueeJr Anne's legs')

Wild carot seeds have been used tbr centuries bv $omcn all orer thc *'orld' and their

"[".,t'-lt"t" ^f* r**tf" been lerified bv scientilic studv Subslances $irhjn-lhe sceds

hare becn sho$'n io block prcgeslcrone svnthesis in prcgnart aninrals Thc substance (an

artiDrosesti ) blocks thc receptor sites for ptogestcrone h the womb lining' thus

J.oii"rie d," *".t "r

thc p;ogcsterone that is needed io form a supporiire enviroDne't

to the lcrtilised egg.

wild Caffo1 seeds have a reputation as ar cfectjve iDp]sntation inhibilor and hale been

,""J *c".*rrrll' * * "--genc)

contaccptive The,r are aLso rcnouned 6 a lralural..

"",i'*."i." Irl;,r,"a l',

"rdi. ro sL'"cessfuilv us" rtre secds as a coftraceptive vou will

neea Lo monitor ro"r rn"nstrual c,vclcs and be ablc to pfedict wherr votl $ill o\ulalc' . -i"",ir

"".ra be Lr"' tr"oughouf vour fertilc pedo'l m prcvent pregnancv' and althoush I

would not regad this as a fail-safc method I bave re3d repofs ffom Nomen $ho swear

by 'l

Dosage

r hc$ o 'e

rea.p, 'u I o l \ \ i ldrdnor \ced ' fJr oa) $" ' ru Jus | $ i r \ 'a l t r ' / )o r r r rFl

ch.u \e ted' rnororgl ' t ) or rer$ ' 'c !he) $r l l |a ' ' l r roug\)ourt) 'enrr lh ' {1ber. ]g

digcsted.)Thcy can be used in seleral \aYs:

. Daily throughout the menslrual cvcle.

37

. The day after unprotected sex - herbal lore is lhat llis would be enough lo prelentpregnancy, bul modern hcrbal wisdom stales thai -vou should continuc for 7- 10 da) s. Used throughout yorl| Iedile period (ifyou know your cvcLe) and lbf six davsfollowing ovulalion.

Safety

Wonen wifi a hislory ofkidney or gall srones should consull a herbalisl belbre using

r\rryone laking rhe contr&eptive pill, any odrer oeslrcgen nedicainD shoold aloid thcse

herbs, as should anyonc who's been advised again$ laking estrogonic nedlcation (like

the cb ntr rcepdve pill).

Possible side effects

The majoity ofllome' reporl no side etfects wjth this herb, ahhough if constipationoccursi increase the amount ofwatcr tak.'n. As $/ild Carrol is an oestrogenic hcrb li can

have oestrogcn related sidc eiTects e.g abnomal blood cloiting' l iver problems, an'ioestogen dcpendant nlmours.

Iiurdrer reading on Wild Carrct seeds:. http://wcbsite.lineone.nclf-stolarczyk/queen.html or go ro The Wodd Canot Muscunat \lww carrotmuseunl.com and folhr'/ rhe link fbf'\\'ild'. hltp://r\\\-rvaltmture.conigallery'Wild Canol.htm

shoot rlower 6av€s aid seeds

TansY(Tanacetum Vulgare)

lans) is best kro\{n for iis insect rcpeuetu qualjties bui l1as becn repoted snrce rc

"f"t".* .".*a

". ft""it g emmenagogual powers lt's a lairly toxlc plant containing the

"i*.J.r tr1"j"." *r''i.r, *'ses uterine contracLions bu! is also a bmin slilnulant whilsl

lhjs herb tnust be used Nith cautio ' jl is safe as long 3s doses are not excceded'

su,J.1\ \ecJrepo| | . ; ' robc5tcfe"fLr l ar 'nol . i rPrborr ;on' \ens\" ' . " : " ' ' t '1" ' ' ' ,.e\ f l "1 $c<{ ' larL. l r i ' fo 's ihlc rr l r \"ugh .rncoDfir l r<dl r ' rJ ' l1n') and ! ranrrn I carrcl

each other out. so lhey shouldn't be used together'

The anount otthujone prcsent in lansl is highlv variable and some plants can conlain no

faces ofit \\irile others produce oil up to 95% thujone Therefbfe widr every new balch'

start out ai a 1ow dose i; order to test )our sensitivii)', walohing closelv for side e ecis'

and increase the dose ifnccessarv

Dosage

Dosage is cofiaincd in one oflhe rccipes gilcn in the blue cohosh section $dere it is

used along \\'irh pennlroyal. Tansy can also f'e used on ns own

lrrstdnr Ste€p tor 30 minutes. Use %- l teaspoon ofdried hcrb p€r cup' three to lour

tinrcs per day, for up to scl'en dalskrrrrle: 1/, % teaspoon in wann ltaier, three to four times a day

Sefefy

A ,tore f ,one . , cpi err ic sei /J les 'hould I o u'e ldr ' \ u ' dn\

other herb containing thLrione Never ingest essenrial oiLs'

tansy is particularly ioxrc

Possible side effects

Nausca, voniting, intla$mation olstomach lining' dilaled

pupils, $'cakened or rapid pulse lansy has be€n knownto

I

ia"se tenporary lumps in heasls lansy can cause women \tho

usuallv menstruate \er-! leavilv 11l haenorrhage lr is photohxic'

so the user may develop skin rash or blisiering in strong suiligbl

As $ith seleral olher herbs in this palnphlet, h11sv could cause bi h

defccts iflhe pregnanc) $erc ca leo to rcrm-

39

)

Mugwort(Aftemisia Vulgaris)

Mugwon is a well kno\r around the world as a menstrual promoler but not much hasbeen ${illen about irs powen as an abo{il'acient. Like Tansy and juniler, il connins iheuterine contacior chenical thujone, and so is liirly toxic.

Dosagc

The le3ves are thc p3ft ofthe planl used. Uni Tianat wriGs lhat ifs best when used tcn

days prior to the onsc! of menstruation and that it's oicn combined with pennyroval orgingef.

-rrtrt n: Sleep for 15-20 minures, lake I leaspoon-i tablespoon four to six Limes a davnncturc 30-6a drcps ()L I leaspoon) four 1o six tines a day.

Safety

N-obody prone to epiieptic seizures should Lrse lhis herb or any

other herb coniaining thuione. Thujone is a leratogen and could

cause sevorc birth defecrs il lhe pregnancy lvcre camed to tenn

Possiblc side effects

I.arye Folonged doscs (over t$o weeks) arc said to iiiure the

Juniper(Junipetus Communis)

Juriper works as a uledne stimulant and.like mugwort and tansl. it co lains thujone so itis r'airl) roxic. It has a long history is an rboilfacient - the stereoiypical use ofa bonle ol'gilr is dcrived fton1 the faci of gin bcing a foml of lveek j uniper linctrrel

One source olaims thaliuriper is best used eilhef ;n Llt fl|st h{o leeks oftfcsnancy orin ihe fiISl fe\y da,vs afl.f a missed period. Juniper is rcputed lo $ork as an implanhlionirjibitor as wcll as an abodifacient and has a rcpulalion as a cort|aceptive-

Dosage

Soneiines combined with Rue.The bedes and leaves are uscd.1nlidio, tipe bedet Steep for 10-20 rniruies. Iake 60-80 mls 2-3 iimcs a da)

(leaves) steep for 10-20 ins take 1-3 tablespoons 2-l times a daynn.ra.er Gipe beffies) 5-20 drops.2-3 iimes a dayOtlj l'3 drops 2-l ftnes a daI

Thc root na,v have implantation-inhibiting properties but I halc no rcference for

Fully grown but unripe beni€s are said to contain higher concentrations ol esscilisl oiland so dosages should be rcduccd lfmaking prepafalions wilh fiem.

Satety

Anyono $,idr an exisdng kidney compiaint or nen'eda rure JroulJ rJr Jr Lniper. \ . iuniper fu. , rd ' r 'thuione it should not be used bt anyone prone to epilcpric

Possible side effects

Juniper may interlcrc wilh lhe absorption of iron andoil1er essential minerals. Va) increase the volumc olurinc lnd give the udne ibe odour ofviolets. Has alendency to irritate the kidner-s (lbllow up wilh nettle Lcato soothc kidne)'s after using Junipcr).

&*r,Jtnipenis c.n drnt s

41 braich aid befies

J

Cotton Root Bark(Gossvqiun Hirsutum)

Coiton root bark has a long history as 3n abortiiacient amongsr Narive Amcrican a'd

Aliican lvomen. It is thought lo have been used extensivelv arnolg slave uonen in

cotbn plantalions in thc USA aftcr rape bv slave owners

Corton root conlains gos\Tol, a substance sold in China fof its abilitv fu reduce thc male

Chnresc rcsearchers havc found that cotton rooi bark definite]v coniains elements \i1h

the abilily to disNpi pregnanc,v lt secms io work in t{o $avs |irsilv it acis on the

corpus luteum which is a small yello$ bodv lbrnled i! Lhe ovarf, lhat secrcles

progeslcrone n) prepare the $omb ljning for pregnancv Colton rool disrupls this

proa."Lion orprogesre.o"c. ihe second etrcol is thai ii increases receltor si€s on

orytocin+ensiiive cells. in oiher ilofds it increases Lhe effect ofoxvtocin a hormone

$fiich causes utcrme contrachons

The main problcn with cotion rool bmk is lhat il's vcrv hard to obtain Cor nefcidllv

gro\\r ootton should no1 be used as it is sprayed Nith lig|lv toxic chemicals, as the root

is nol intcnded n)r consumplion Use onlv organicallv grown collorl

Dosage

Dcroclt.rri 1009 ol dried ootlon root bark ro 1 li!|e ofwater Boil for 20-30 ninures uniil

liquid is reduced to halt l'akc 2-4 tablespoons eYery 30-60 mnlures'

Itrrlal" 1-4leaspoons elery 30-60 minules

Possible side eflccts

Susan[ 'ecdcal ls j t ' ihesdlesrandmostcenainherbalabort i facicnt 'Al thoughtestshavesho$nprolonged use can be hanful (atoph"v of the uterine lining), for the limes t\ere

talking about here (no nore than 14 davt this shouldn'L be a pfoblem

Parsley(Petroselinum crisPum)

l'arsley is t mitd enmenasogoe (a sdmulalor ofmensrruation) lt $'orls iike ,r cha|m fol

sraning nrenstruarion rvhen prcgnancy is not the cause lof dela'\"

To assist herbal abortion

For lennjnaiing a pregnancv, parsl.v is a helpef herb, rekuing the cerlir io aid in rhc

."i"""" "i '""ii,ii,"'.

,le womb w|er used bv itsclf ir will noi causc aborior Ircan

be us"c1 as a tea o. as apcssal'a d combines wcll r'ith vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Parsley Pess.ry (vaginal insert)

This is a comnonl-v used nefiod lt directry affects the ccrvix softening ir' hclping irtu -

uo"n tu n .p*" toi ,"l.ots. I ake 2-1 sprigs o f parslcy riDse and remore ihe larger pal1 oI

if" 't"'"',.i-t

a"" *" nrst ieafioirli Aftcr rinsjDg them pusl ther insidc i[e vasina as

ii. i".i "'

y* *", pr*rng them again$ the cervjx. l hev will feel bulkv al first' but .; ; ; : , : :r: ;* . ;".1

"""1"l, r"ar . ca, .r. , ,ge , e!er $er\< r,oL .. r-

'crnn\( ,h"

oc,.a.r . r . -ch'r . rde" i rn. ." i r f i ' r rsolrge' 'drd\coopJrr rh{ o 'ercdlrerf l 'n{ ror

I.i r'r"'"a.,r..' al".:^a n"place wilh ilesh parsle]' 1bu could also Lie a string around re

siems before insedion to assisl in renroval

Making tea from Parsley

whenerer alailablc. use rhe fresh herb lt is rcadily available in greengmc'n and

s.urernartels. litl a sl|afr b mccliunr sized lan wilh watcr a'd bring lo ihe boii Remoie

irlim rr,c tear ana aaa a landtul or iso of chopped parslcv' color iightlv and let ii.steep

for 20-30 minules. Slrain thc tea and compost the hcrb material The rusulrng iea rs

grccn in colour. lf ,vou donrt like rhe iastc vou (:an sseeren it and/or add niik

Safety

l'arsley is noi toxic, bul it should not be us€d by peoplc

ith inflanmatort kjdnel problcms or other kidnc-r'

conditions.

There are no rcpoicd side effecls

I

Black Cohosh(Cimicifuga racemosa)

This is an anti-spasmodic herb olien uscd in conjunction with biue cohosh. Bllck co|oshis unlikely 1o cause abortion unless combincd wilh other lerbs. lt is a lielper hcrb,hebing to prepare the ce|vix io rclease the contenls ofthe uterus. li is often conbincdwith blue cohosh, and it also combincs s,cll with vitanin C and dong quai.

Black cohosh is valuable for treatlng PMI menslrual cramps, homonal tubalances and

'nenopause symploms. lt also lms a balancing elltct on hofmone prodxction, particularly

Dosage

'l he rcot is the pad used.,rcrdlon: simmer 1-4 iablespoons for 5'l5 minutes, 3-4 times a day.Zlrcirle: %-1 teaspoon, 3-,1tines a day.CdpJ?r1err Dosages can be in thc range of 500mg-1,000mg every four hou|s.1r.,4r.riorr Step 2 teaspoons in 500m1 ofwaler.'lake 2-3 tablespoons 6linrcs a day.

Safety

alack cohosh can delfess heart raie. Anlonc wiLh any i,ape of heart disease shoold noluse tbis herb. Due to ils oestrogenjc propcrtics, this hcrb shor d not be taken by anyone\\410 has bceD advised not to take the l,ill. Black cohosh should not be conbined wirh

Possible side effects

Dizzincss, diarhoea, nausea, headaches, shakes,lou pulsc, vomiling. Side effectspossiblc with pdoneed use llray include xterirc irritaftn,

^bdominal pair. abnormal

blood cldtnrg (which could cause problenN when using hcrbs to cnd pfegnanc). such aspossiblc haemorfhage), ljver problens. Because oLits ocstrogenic propefies, jt may alsoencourage o€strogen dependant tumours.

l lo$€ver in file di lTcrcnt sludies using doses eqr valent to 40 mg/day of cludc herbfierc were no case rcpons oftoxic effects ftom the herb, and therc appcars to be nospecilic lo\iciry dssocialcd with any ofils known consiiluents. A fe!v sidc ellicLs werenoLed; dizzjness. hcadachc and weight gain.

Ginger Root(Zinzibar Officinalis)

This is a helper h€rb. nol poteni enough to causc ab(nlion in its own. Its readily availableas a foodstut dnd extrcnrely etrective at bringing on mensl"uation whe nol pregnantSusan [eed calls it 'onc ofihe sirongest ard faslesl acting enxnenagogucs.

cinger is believed to bc very good at enhancing thc cfectlveness ofany oiher herbs with\rhich it is combined.

Dosage

'lhe root is used.,ecocrtor: Silnlner for 15-10 minures. t:*e 2-,1 tablcspoons. 4-6 times a dayIt?clr,"j 1-4 &ops,4-61imcs a daj.

Possible side elTects

Can be nauseating in large doses-

.*,

glossaryBibl iography

ADortifocient - ny subslnn0e thdl llN Lhe Abili{ lo Letnin.te pregtarcy. A tcfn uscd lo lcscnhc rry

Hotrnan, Davt(J 1996 The Horistic H€rbar-a sare and Practicatcuide to Making and using dbng Ernme'agoFle

Qhalket Rebecca & Downeaoalo lgg2 A woman s bookofchoices -Abortion, MsnstrualEnhct ion, RU486'FourWats ElghtWndows tStsN0941423867 ccnix - .e.k ofrhe r icrus located at{Erop of t i re \aslna(.er{ icr l _. i or rcLxl ing 1. , thc ccrvir)

Choionic Villi Foot'Like stfucrurcs ofdrc trrilhed ecqs ceu nenbrnne. R|ich.nach lorhc rlcrus ardCulpepper Nicholas Fi .stpubshed1649,T983edt ionedl tedbyDavdPotter lof 'Culpeppels f . rm thc Dtaccnia.Colour Herbal W Fo! sham & Co. Ltd. SBN 0-572-01153-0

Co.pns I'rt€un - A yello$ body whicl develoF in thc olary after lhe relese ofllLe egg, lt.nly remrins

Riddte, Jahn M 1 997. Eve s Herbs - A H isto ry of Contraception and Abortion in the west h cxistence if pregDancr hd telun.Haryad un versitv Press lsBN 0_674_27026_6 Decoction, -4. sder based herba tfcFraton Nhere dre $dLd drd lerb de sirnrner.d on ih.lrcai

rianat untM.1gg4 H€rbat Atortion - The truit ot the T.ee of Knowledge sage'Femme. rsaN together ir apRn The recipe for a standard dccoction id give' on pase25

USA) nrbe) qhich.an bc vcrr'' rrious 6 the srcrving egg conld arpnle $e flllopiar tubc.

t4leed Srsa, S 1996. ,Wise Woman Hdrbat For the C h itdbearing year, Ash Tree plbtish ng tS BN Embrro HuhdrolTstring h rhe fiNt ciehi$ceks film conceplion

chapterat ihe beg nning about herbs lolermnale pregnancy a subsiancc rhai is nor stuns enoush ro caose abortion bJ irselfbur.outd ifduce mc.siruation if

Anyth ng r,ve got from it has boen lhrougrr oiher sources abonifacrcnh are €mrerasos.es. burnortil ernrnenasosues aie aboriifacicn'..

Flllopi.n (ube L.ilher ofthc nt. nrFculd h.llo* arnN ofihe utenrs lbatrrlde Lhe egg to th€ utcrusGatdner, Jay 19AS Abonion - A P€rsonal A pproach' HealYourself Press Seatile Washingion, feriilisaiior usuall] occurs in the faLlopian xrb$.llsA

Foeaus- hurnar othtnnc rnot tha. erghtrveeks srce cotueptlon.

tl.cmorrhlgc - hotus€ bl.cding.

We bS iteS Infnsion - A *arelbasea l,erbal prepdation whcre rhc waic, is b.,lcd tn$ and llren poured oler urehcrb. Thc rccirc loc a naml$d intusionis gilenot page 25.

Si6l€rZeus Ferti ity Awafeness, Herbs affect ng lhe ]\4enslrual Cyc e Herbal Corhacept on &Herba abodon Th|s is a very comprehensve websrie conia.rng huge a.nounts ol userll ocsiroscn - A fenale hormonc

nformation There is no olherwebsle like L The secion wherc women gvelheir peBonalaccounls Os - Thc Dnscllar oDeninc nJfie ulerusor herba aboidon (ca ed Sharng our wisdom) s ar nvaluab e .ead lVW sisle.-zeus com

Oury - ODe oftlr. Fir ofle.rdle reproducdre glards lhat prodlces eg8s

Email Support GrOUp o{viocin - A honnoncrhat indtces contaotj.ns .f Lhe Ltei,tr.

I'lacent! - Ar orgar $hich c.rnecisrhc foerus 10 lhe uterus. pssirg routislmenl lo itrtroueh drc

This is fof women go .g lhrolgh herba abod on and women who wafi to support these women Th s n'nhili'xl 'orl

s an invalabe group prcvd ng slppod on a pracuca and emotionaL evel There are severalwomen

themselves slrongly recommend joining ih s group as you willhen have women on hand ioanswef any queslions ot concems you may have Saccp _'Io soak itr liquid

hltp:/Tgroupsyahoocom/9roup/heba-abonon-supporl Ter'logen - A subslirce lhat cxlses malformalion ofan e'rbDo

'rinclure - A herbal Drepa6tion $lrcrc lhc a.tive i.gredienls ofa!la.1.re ex$rcled ln alcohol. Therccipe for a sLandatul tinolLre is given o. lage 26.

46 lrtcrus _ the roDh (ut€.ine - ol or rlatins Lo llt,roniJ)

n

APPENDIXSURVEY OF HEALTH AUTHORITTES 1999

Carried out by the Abortion Law Reform AssociationCriteria set by health authorities for NHS abortion

BARNE'Ii ]'riorit) catcgories for access to NHS aborrion:. [on1en aged under 2]. \bmcn aged,ls and ovcr. Wonren experiencinS e)rtren1e ps)chological trauma. $bmcn victims of rape. Wome who are especially \ulnenbte to violence. $/omen $,ith medical conditions. Women with leaning difficulries

Nll. rhese criteria are frequently noL adhered ro becausc ofthe weekly quota systemwhich operates al Bamet hospital. Appintments are allocated on a first come first seNedbasis. Cases are not relcrrcd for clinical adjudicarion and appointments arc allocaied bylhe telephone appointmenrs secrelary who cannor exercise clinical discrction.

CROYDON:.l0 weeks midlnum gestation

EAST SUSSEX, BRIGIITON & HOVE|

.girls under 16 years olase

. $b'nen on lo$ income (defined on reieral form to no! NHS asency asj receivesincone support, family crcdi!,job seekers allowance or disabilit) benefits)

. Women in retuges or victim ofdomestic vidcnoe

.fof fourth or subscqucnt pregnancies

.the homeless d!fined as:

.ihose wlro are street homeless subjecr to saiisi'acln'n that $eir considcfed home iswithin the Ilcallh Authority boundaries.those who lave been acoepted as being statutory homeless and are curenily residing inthe following forms oftemporary accommodatior - bed & breakfast, \r,omen's refuges,

.those who may be defined as 'hidden homel€ss'. This may reiaie io expecrant nolhcrs inan oppressive relaiionship where tldrpafner closelli scrLL$rises or heavily restrictsfinancial expenditure.ihose wo,nen \\'hose current housing security and situation is thrcatened as a dircctresuh of thcif pregnancy.

NORTII WES f I.ANCASIIIRE: (fof non-NlIS proYldeN).any lvomau under the age of I I years.aged ovei 37 years.history oidiagnosis of foetal abnormalit.having 3 or more exisling chiidren

.kno\m parental/guardiar/rclatile abuse

.sratutory homeless undef Part I ofthe 1985 I{ousing (Homeless Persons) Act

.other honeless rcsiding in women's aid or other shelier

.in fuU line education

.in recoipt of income suppon

.ha\'ing ouistanding sunmons for debt

.haling shortterm cash flow problems

SHROPS}]IRE:.A norher io be who would stiil be mder 17 years ol age at tull ie|m.,^ mother silh iwo exisring children uho would still be under the age of threetlrrougiroul her pregnancl. and $'ho was findnlg it dificult 10 cope.A mothcr 1o be with a personal or family hislory of severe psychiairic ill health orsignifica 1 leaming difiiculties.A mother who is already homeless.A moiher or fanily inro \r{ich a ncw baby wor' d bc exposed to incrcased risk of

.other facrors $nich would indicate thai the baby nay not be prcperlv nurtured

WAISAI,I,:.less thri 18 weeks gestation.has not had nore than two pre\ ious terminaiions

WILTSHIR}]:.under 20

.on income suppon

.specilic nedical reason (rape elc)

WOI,VERTLA.IVII'TONICurrenr NIIS funding citeria -f Womcn requestirg a sccond tennination rbrough the Prcgnancy Counselling service,.re NOl acceplcd unless there are EXCEPIIONAL oircumstances.aiready nloiher of single parcni family.under l8 tcars of ace.already had 4 or more previous livc birrhs.already has 2 ohildrcn under ihe ag€ of5 years

I

I

rseparaled. divorced or widowed within fie last 12 months.failure ofa consislently used reliable iamily planning nethod.pregnancy resulting from rape.orer 40 years ol ageProposed ncw criterin for financial ye'r 2000-200r -ilailuro ofconsislentty used nethod ofconlraception e.g. IUD, Nlirena Intmurerinesystem, Depo-Provera (s,ithin 1l u€eks oflasr injecrion), Conrraceplive pill, Inplant,Condom failure..the pfegnant wonan would be unable to provide approprjate care and suppo( for thcpolcnlial child with a signilicant risk that rlroy would become or remain sociall]excluded. Some exanples (and this lisr is not exclusive) iDclude she:.is alr€ady a single parent.is aced under 18 years.is aged overl8 years and in fu11-lilne educaiionais unsu4poded by partners or parents, e-g. rccently sepamcd or divorced.suffers fron learnins dimculties, phlsical disabilities or nental illness.the existing child(ren) of ihe family of the pregnant woman have:.significant physical illness or disability.significaut nenial illness or disability.significant social problems.child Folection issriesthe prcgnant woman has experiencedl

.severe domestic or social slress

.there is subslantidl risk ofthe child being bon seriousty bandjoapped e.g.

.the pregnanl wornan has taken teratogenic drugs in eafly pregnanclitlere is a risk ofgenetically inherited disease.the pregnant woman's life is at risk ifshe conrinues with the pregDancy