Is Plan B Similar to the Abortion Pill?

While at face value, Plan B and the abortion pill may seem to serve similar purposes, these drugs cannot be used interchangeably. If you are at risk for an unplanned pregnancy or are considering an abortion, Community Pregnancy Center can help you understand how these drugs work, side effects, what they are used for, and what to expect so that you can be informed and confidently make the best decisions for your health and safety. 

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What is Plan B? 

Plan B is an emergency contraceptive. This is a type of birth control that is used in emergencies when regular birth control has failed, when birth control or protection has not been utilized in the context of intercourse, or when forced intercourse (sexual assault) has occurred. 

Contact us to learn more about side effects, what to expect, and more.

How Does Plan B Work? 

Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a type of progestin (synthetic progesterone hormone) that delays ovulation. Plan B is designed to be most effective if taken within 24 hours of intercourse, but it can be effective if taken up to 72 hours after intercourse. Even if taken within 24 hours, there is no guarantee that it will prevent a pregnancy from occurring. 

Is Taking Plan B the Same as The Abortion Pill?

No. Plan B is classified an emergency contraception or emergency birth control, whereas the abortion pill is a medical abortion. Like any drug, they both have short-term and can have long-term side effects. We recommend consulting with a physician or medical professional about your health history prior to taking Plan B or abortion-inducing drugs. 

What is the Abortion Pill? Is It an Emergency Contraceptive?

The abortion pill is not an emergency contraceptive and does not prevent a pregnancy before it occurs. It is a medical or chemical abortion designed to end an existing pregnancy and cut off nutrients to an embryo or fetus that has already begun to develop. 

Contact us to learn more about risks, side effects, what to expect, who is eligible, and when you cannot take the abortion pill. 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill involves two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. 

• Mifepristone - a drug designed to block the production of progesterone to end a pregnancy. 

• Misoprostol - a drug designed to induce contractions and expel the contents of the pregnancy from the uterus. 

The abortion pill should never be taken unless an intrauterine pregnancy is verified via ultrasound. 

Note: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration does not recommend the abortion pill be purchased online, as pills purchased online are not subject to the scrutiny and regulations of the FDA and could be laced with potentially harmful drugs or substances.

Community Pregnancy Center is Here For You

Community Pregnancy Center in Hartsville, TN, is here to provide you with free pregnancy confirmation services and pregnancy options consultations. We offer free on-site pregnancy tests and ultrasound confirmation if the test is positive. This can help you find out what you are eligible for and the options available to you.

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References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 19). Emergency contraception. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Ectopic pregnancy: Causes, symptoms & treatments. 

Drugs.com. (n.d.). Misoprostol: Uses, dosage, side effects & warnings. 

Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority. (n.d.). Progesterone. 

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Mifepristone (oral route): Description. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123 

Schindler, A. E., Campagnoli, C., Druckmann, R., Huber, J., Pasqualini, J. R., Schweppe, K. W., & Thijssen, J. H. (2020). Levonorgestrel. In StatPearls. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Questions and answers on mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through ten weeks gestation.