Many people get Plan B and the abortion pill confused since they are used interchangeably. However, it is important to know that they are not the same thing and have different uses.
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, before deciding on your next step, it’s important to take a pregnancy test and an ultrasound so you can get clarity surrounding your options and get the accurate information you need before taking any medical pills.
At the Pregnancy Care Center, we offer free, confidential pregnancy services and a supportive space to talk through your questions and options: parenting, adoption, and abortion.
No pressure, no judgment, we are here to listen.
Schedule an appointment today to talk with our team.
What Is Plan B?
Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, contains a synthetic hormone called levonorgestrel, which prevents or delays ovulation so the egg cannot be fertilized when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
The FDA updated Plan B’s drug label in December 2022 to state that it does not work as an abortifacient, as experts once thought that it could prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. This means that it cannot be used to end an existing pregnancy.
Plan B is available without a prescription, but it does affect your hormones. Some side effects can include tiredness, nausea or vomiting, breast tenderness, cramping or lower abdominal pain, irregular or heavier bleeding, and more.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is a multi-step process that involves taking two drugs known as mifepristone and misoprostol to end an early pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation.
The first drug works by blocking progesterone, which is the hormone needed to sustain pregnancy, and the second drug is taken 1-2 days later to cause the uterus to expel the pregnancy and related tissue through vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping.
The side effects and risks of the abortion pill include heavy or prolonged bleeding, incomplete abortion, and infection.
An ultrasound is recommended before a medical abortion as it determines the gestational age, the location of the pregnancy, and whether the pregnancy is progressing. This information can identify health concerns, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, and help ensure you have the information you need about your pregnancy before making a decision.
If you qualify, you may be eligible for a free ultrasound at Our Pregnancy Care Center.
The Differences Explained
The key difference between Plan B and the abortion pill is timing and purpose. Plan B works by delaying ovulation, which helps prevent pregnancy before it starts, while the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy.
Both of these drugs can disrupt your hormones and might not be suitable depending on the timing of your pregnancy. For example, Plan B can harm a developing pregnancy, which is why pregnancy testing is essential before taking it.
Seek Support At Pregnancy Care Center
Whether you’re looking for a pregnancy test, an ultrasound, or post-abortion recovery, our client advocates are here to provide the resources and care you may need. All of our services are free and confidential.
Schedule your appointment today, or if you need someone to talk to right now, our 24/7 helpline is available at +1(623) 343-8483.
Pregnancy Care Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.