What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B?
While both Plan B and the abortion pill (sometimes called Plan C) involve reproductive choices, they have very different timings and functions. The abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy while Plan B is classified as an emergency contraceptive preventing pregnancy from occurring.
It’s important to note that abortions are currently banned in the state of Kentucky.*
What Is The Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill commonly consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol triggers uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.
The primary purpose of the abortion pill is to terminate an established pregnancy. It is specifically designed for this purpose and is taken when a woman is already pregnant.
What Is Plan B?
Plan B, often referred to as the “morning-after pill,” is an emergency contraceptive. It is intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom.
It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone, which works by preventing a woman’s egg from fully developing. It may also prevent the attachment of the woman’s egg to the wall of the uterus.
Plan B is usually taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected intercourse. However, its effectiveness decreases over time and it may not always work.
Where To Go From Here
If you have had unprotected sex and are worried you may have an unexpected pregnancy, the first step is to receive pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. Ultrasounds are important as they identify the location, viability, and gestational age of your pregnancy to reveal your options and protect your health.
At Crossroads, we provide no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, ultrasound by a licensed technician, and a registered nurse to meet with to discuss your options. Click here to contact us today.
Sources:
- Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Medical abortion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20medical%20abortion%3F
- Levonorgestrel (Oral route). (2023, October 6). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levonorgestrel-oral-route/description/drg-20074413