What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B?
While some people believe the abortion pill and Plan B are the same drugs, the reality is that they serve distinct purposes.
At Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic, we want to ensure you have clear, accurate information before making any health decisions. Keep reading to learn more about the key differences between these drugs.
The Abortion Pill: How It Works
Also known as a medical abortion, the abortion pill involves a two-step process using different drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, stops the body from producing progesterone, a hormone necessary for sustaining pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, induces contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
This process typically begins at a clinic, where you take mifepristone under medical supervision. Misoprostol is then taken at home within 24 to 48 hours.
It’s important to know that abortion drugs are not meant to be a birth control method, and serious risks, like heavy bleeding and infection, are associated with taking them.
Additionally, birth control works to prevent fertilization, while the abortion pill ends an already established pregnancy.
Plan B: Emergency Contraception Explained
Plan B, often referred to as the “morning-after pill,” is designed to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
It primarily works by delaying or stopping ovulation, which prevents an egg from being released. Current research does not support that Plan B prevents implantation of a fertilized egg, meaning it does not terminate a pregnancy and is not considered an abortion method.
Plan B is available over the counter at most pharmacies, so it does not need to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, it’s critical to learn everything you can about this drug and understand the side effects to make informed decisions about your health.
Potential side effects include:
- Tiredness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tender breasts
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Cramping or lower abdominal pain
- Irregular bleeding or heavier periods
Additionally, it’s important to note that Plan B isn’t 100% effective, and a pregnancy can still occur. It’s crucial to discuss any questions with your doctor before taking this drug.
Get Factual Information
While Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic does not offer or refer for abortions or birth control, we are here to support you with accurate information and compassionate care.
Our nurses are here to address any questions or concerns, ensuring you stay informed and can make confident decisions about your health.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment. We’re here for you.
Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
