Plan B and the abortion pill get mixed up all the time, and it’s understandable. They’re both pills, both are linked to pregnancy prevention or termination, and both come up in urgent, often emotional situations. However, they serve very different purposes.
Plan B helps prevent pregnancy before it begins. The abortion pill is used to end a pregnancy that has already started. Before versus after conception is the key difference that separates these two medications, and understanding this will help you make an informed decision when it matters most.
At Rose Women’s Medical Center, our team provides safe, respectful, and non-judgmental care whether you’re looking to avoid pregnancy or end one. In this blog, we’ll explain what Plan B and the abortion pill are, how they work, when to take them, and what to expect from each.
Plan B, also called the morning-after pill, is a form of emergency contraception. It’s designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if birth control fails (like a condom breaking or missing a pill). It works best when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours.
Plan B contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many birth control pills. This hormone works in a few ways:
It’s important to know that Plan B does not end an existing pregnancy. If the egg has already implanted in the uterus, Plan B won’t do anything. It’s not an abortion pill. Plan B is available over the counter without a prescription, and anyone can buy it regardless of age.
The abortion pill is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. It’s a combination of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Unlike Plan B, this is not emergency contraception; it’s for people who are already pregnant and have decided to terminate the pregnancy.
Here’s how it works:
After taking the second pill, most people experience cramping and bleeding, often heavier than a period, for several hours to a day. Some nausea, chills, or diarrhea are also common. A follow-up appointment is essential to make sure the abortion was complete and to check on your health.
At Rose Women’s Medical Center, we walk you through every step. We offer consultations, answer all your questions, and provide support during and after the process.
If you’ve had unprotected sex within the last 72 hours and don’t know if you’re pregnant yet, Plan B might be your best bet. If you’ve already missed a period or taken a positive pregnancy test, and you’re less than 10 weeks along, you’re likely looking at the abortion pill.
At Rose Women’s Medical Center, we provide pregnancy testing, ultrasounds to confirm how far along you are, and medical consultations to determine the safest and most effective option for you.
To recap, Plan B prevents pregnancy before it starts, while the abortion pill ends a pregnancy that’s already begun. If you’re unsure which option is right, call our Rose Women’s Medical Center team at 331-233-1350 today or request an online appointment.
