A potential pregnancy can stir anxiety when you’re not ready for it. If you recently had unprotected sex or may have had birth control or contraception failure, your mind could be spinning.
Many women hear about Plan B and the abortion pill and wonder if they’re the same. We’ll cover the differences in this article.
However, before taking any drugs, talk with a medical professional. Contact us to discuss your situation or confirm your pregnancy at Choices Family Resource Center.
Plan B: Preventing Pregnancy
Plan B, or the “morning-after pill,” contains levonorgestrel, which prevents or delays ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Without ovulation, sperm will not join with an egg, and fertilization cannot occur.
Plan B is not designed to end an existing pregnancy and will not work if a woman is already pregnant. There used to be claims that Plan B could cause an early abortion by preventing an embryo from implanting in the wall of the uterus. However, in December 2022, the FDA updated the drug label to remove that mechanism due to insufficient evidence.
The Abortion Pill: Ending an Existing Pregnancy
The abortion pill is a medical process that uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug stops the pregnancy from continuing, and the second causes the uterus to contract and empty through uterine contractions, causing cramps and heavy vaginal bleeding.
Unlike Plan B, this drug comes with the risk of serious and life-threatening bleeding. Before considering this option, talk with a medical professional about your health history and receive an ultrasound.
The Importance of Pregnancy Testing and an Ultrasound
If you’re considering taking either of these drugs to have an abortion, make sure to take necessary precautions. Plan B can harm a developing pregnancy, so pregnancy testing first matters.
An ultrasound helps verify your pregnancy is within your uterus and developing. The abortion pill would not make sense in cases of ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus) or miscarriage (naturally ended, no heartbeat). An ultrasound also tells you how far along you are, which plays a role in your safe options.
Take Control of Your Health
You deserve to feel informed and supported. Schedule a no-cost appointment at Choices Family Resource Center for pregnancy testing and an ultrasound (if eligible) to make an informed decision that protects your health and future.
FAQs
What does levonorgestrel do in Plan B?
It delays or prevents ovulation to stop fertilization from occurring. Experts now say that there isn’t sufficient evidence that it prevents implantation, which would make it an abortifacient.
How long after conception can the abortion pill be used?
It’s FDA-approved for use through the first ten weeks of pregnancy.
Can either pill treat ectopic pregnancy?
No. Neither Plan B nor the abortion pill treats or ends an ectopic pregnancy.