What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B?
While those who use these methods seek to prevent or terminate a pregnancy, there is a clear difference between these two medications. Plan B is used primarily to prevent pregnancy, while the abortion pill is utilized to terminate an existing pregnancy.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill terminates a pregnancy and is made of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone blocks an essential hormone in pregnancy, which causes the embryo to become detached as the uterus thins. Misoprostol is then taken to produce cramping that pushes the detached embryo and pregnancy tissue out of the body.
The Mayo Clinic states that this method is not for everyone. The abortion pill is not an option if you:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus.
- Have certain medical conditions.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider.
- Have an allergy to the medicine used.
Additionally, there are over 200 medications that should not be taken with mifepristone, and there are risks and complications that are important to discuss with a medical professional or pregnancy care center.
Receiving a complete physical, giving an entire health history, and confirming pregnancy with pregnancy testing and ultrasound is important to safeguard your health.
What Is Plan B?
Plan B, also known as the Morning-After pill, is made of levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate.
According to the FDA, “Plan B acts primarily by stopping the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). It may prevent the union of sperm and egg (fertilization). If fertilization does occur, Plan B may prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb (implantation). If a fertilized egg is implanted prior to taking Plan B, Plan B will not work.”
Plan B isn’t for everyone, according to the Mayo Clinic, and must be taken within a short window to work effectively. It shouldn’t be used routinely and doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases. This medication may not be as effective for those who are overweight or obese.
You shouldn’t take this medication if:
- You’re allergic to any component of the morning-after pill
- You’re taking certain medications that can decrease the effectiveness of the morning-after pill.
- You are already pregnant. The effects of ulipristal on a developing baby are unknown. If you’re breastfeeding, ulipristal isn’t recommended.
Who Can I Speak To?
Contact us today if you have questions regarding your options or the risks of the Abortion Pill and Plan B. We can assist you in finding the answers you need.
We also offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and options counseling. All appointments are free and confidential.
You are not alone, and we are here to help support and care for you no matter what.
