Is Plan B the Same as the Abortion Pill?

Key Takeaways

• Plan B is not the abortion pill. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, while the abortion pill is used to end an existing pregnancy.
• Plan B contains levonorgestrel and works by delaying or preventing ovulation. It is most effective within 24 hours of unprotected sex and can be taken up to 5 days later.
• The abortion pill uses mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate a confirmed pregnancy and expel pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
• Plan B does not cause an abortion and will not work if a pregnancy has already begun.
• Key difference: Plan B is for pregnancy prevention; the abortion pill is for pregnancy termination.

“Is Plan B the same as the abortion pill?”

This is a common question, especially when experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Though both pills are related to pregnancy, they serve different purposes. 

In short, Plan B is used soon after sex to prevent a pregnancy. The abortion pill ends a pregnancy that has already begun.

Timing is important for both medications, so you need to understand what you’re taking, how they work, and the side effects you might face. We explain all of this info and more below.

The Short Answer: No, Plan B Is Not the Abortion Pill

What is Plan B and how does it work?

Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that keeps your ovaries from releasing an egg. Since sperm can only live a few days, preventing or temporarily delaying ovulation lowers the chances of pregnancy.

The morning-after pill is not supposed to be used as regular birth control. You should only take it if there is a high risk of an unintended pregnancy after sex. If you have sex regularly, you should take steps to minimize your chances of becoming pregnant from these encounters.

When should Plan B be taken?

Timing is critical for this medication. You must take this emergency contraceptive within five days and ideally within 24 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better. Taking Plan B might be a good idea after birth control failure, such as if the condom broke during sex or you haven’t taken your birth control pills consistently.

What are morning-after pill risks?

The biggest risk is failing to prevent pregnancy, but common Plan B side effects include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Dizziness
• Breast tenderness

What is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is a two-medication (mifepristone and misoprostol) regimen that is used to end a pregnancy that has already started. First, the woman takes mifepristone. This medication blocks a pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Without this hormone, the pregnancy will end.

You then take the second medication, misoprostol. This makes the uterus cramp to push the pregnancy tissue out of your body.

Medication abortion pills will not prevent pregnancy and should not be taken unless you are ending a confirmed pregnancy. It is not a “just in case” option like Plan B.

If you only take the first pill and change your mind, you may be able to stop your abortion with abortion pill reversal treatment.

When is medication abortion used?

The FDA has approved mifepristone for use through the first 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. Abortion pill effectiveness decreases and its risks increase the farther along you are. In Florida, you can only have a medication abortion through the first six weeks of pregnancy.

Online abortion pills are available, but they are not legal and come with higher risks. The FDA warns that these pills may come from sources outside of the U.S. and may not meet its safety standards. Additionally, there’s no guarantee that you will receive the medications you order. For your safety, only get these pills from a doctor.

What are the abortion pill’s risks?

The abortion pill has more serious risks than the morning-after pill. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever/chills
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Dizziness

Medication abortion can also cause complications that can threaten your life without treatment. Bleeding for several weeks is normal, but some women experience extremely heavy bleeding (hemorrhage) that may require transfusions or surgery. Women have also suffered from life-threatening infections after taking the abortion pill. It’s crucial to have medical support and to seek necessary treatment immediately during a medication abortion.

Ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy grows outside the uterus) can also cause life-threatening side effects. You must have an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill to rule out this condition.

Sometimes, medication abortions fail to end the pregnancy or expel all the tissue. You will need further treatment for an incomplete abortion.

Key differences between Plan B and the abortion pill

Ask questions. Get answers.

If you are pregnant and have questions about your options, including the abortion pill, our staff is here to help. Our registered nurses can answer any health questions, and our patient advocates will help with any information and resources you need.

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