The abortion pill (also referred to as a “medical” or “chemical” abortion) and Plan B often get mistaken for each other—but in reality, they are two very different drugs.
The abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy, while Plan B (also referred to as the “morning-after pill”) prevents a pregnancy from occurring.
Read the information below to learn more about how the abortion pill and Plan B work, the risks, and the steps you can take to make an informed decision if you think you might be pregnant.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is actually a combination of two different powerful drugs.
Mifepristone is the first drug. It blocks the essential hormone progesterone, which causes your uterine lining to loosen and shed. Your implanted pregnancy will then become detached from your uterus.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes uterine contractions, which expel the pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.
After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping—and some women have reported that the pain is unexpectedly severe.
When this type of abortion is performed, there is always a chance of risk, which can include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation, and if you take them later than that in your pregnancy, you’re more likely to experience a risk.
The abortion pill isn’t an option for some people who are taking certain medications, have certain medical conditions or have an IUD.
How Does Plan B Work?
Plan B is an emergency contraceptive—which means it is meant to be used after your routine method of birth control has failed (and should never be used as your routine contraception).
Plan B works by preventing or delaying ovulation, and side effects can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Take Control of Your Reproductive Health
Worried you might be pregnant? Want to learn more about the abortion pill and Plan B? We’re here.
Contact us to talk to our registered nurse or to schedule your no-cost, private appointment and explore the pregnancy services and resources we offer.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.