There’s a lot of confusion around the abortion pill and Plan B, but they are not the same. If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and are exploring your pregnancy options, here are the facts about the two and why they are different.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is also called medical abortion and works to terminate an existing pregnancy. First, mifepristone blocks a hormone called progesterone.
Without this hormone, the pregnancy ends. The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contraction-like cramping to expel the pregnancy from the body through the vagina.
The FDA only recommends this type of abortion for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Risks to medical abortion include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical treatment.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
What is Plan B?
Plan B, often referred to as the “morning-after pill,” is an emergency contraception that is used within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.
Plan B is found in pharmacies without a prescription and does NOT terminate an already existing pregnancy. Rather, it works by postponing ovulation to prevent pregnancy from occurring.
Think You’re Pregnant?
Before proceeding with a pregnancy decision, get the information you need to confirm your unique pregnancy details.
After a positive pregnancy test, it’s vital to receive an ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location (if it’s within the uterus), and the pregnancy’s viability (if there’s a heartbeat and the pregnancy is progressing).
Schedule a no-cost and confidential pregnancy appointment to get started. We can help you get fully informed about all your options. We are here to help you get answers.