What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B? 

Did you recently have unprotected sex and wonder if you’re pregnant? Maybe you already know you’re pregnant and are considering abortion.

Many women confuse the abortion pill and Plan B, so we want to better inform you about the two. The main difference is that the abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy, while Plan B prevents or delays one.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, consists of two different drugs to end a pregnancy. According to the FDA, medical abortion is only recommended for women up to 70 days pregnant.

First, mifepristone blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, a pregnancy hormone that prevents the pregnancy from growing. Secondly, misoprostol works to contract the uterus and expel the pregnancy.

The Mayo Clinic shares potential risks, including:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

What is Plan B?

Also called the morning-after pill, Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that prevents or delays pregnancy. It does not end a pregnancy already implanted and is not recommended for use as a regular form of contraception.

Consider the serious health risks and side effects of Plan B before making any final decision. Side Effects of Plan B include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Breast tenderness
  • Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
  • Lower abdominal pain or cramps

First Step to Pregnancy Confirmation

You will first want to confirm you’re pregnant with free, lab-quality urine pregnancy testing and ultrasound at our center today. Get answers to your many pregnancy questions. We are here for you.