When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it can feel like you have to make a decision quickly, but taking time to learn accurate information about your options is important.

The abortion pill and Plan B are often used interchangeably, but these drugs are not the same and have key differences.

Willowbrook Women’s Center can provide you with clear and factual information about abortion, as well as your other options, in a private and confidential setting. Our medical professionals can also confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy test and ultrasound, all provided to you at no cost to protect your health.

Schedule your appointment with our team today.

Understanding Plan B

Plan B is also known as the morning-after pill and contains levonorgestrel, which is a synthetic hormone. The drug works by delaying ovulation so the egg cannot be fertilized when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

It was once thought that Plan B might prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Current FDA labeling now states that Plan B does not terminate an existing pregnancy.

The side effects of Plan B include tiredness, nausea or vomiting, breast tenderness, cramping or lower abdominal pain, irregular or heavier bleeding, and more. This drug can also affect your hormones.

Understanding the Abortion Pill

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is a two-step process that uses two drugs called mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is the hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy, and the second drug, misoprostol, is taken after to expel the pregnancy tissue through cramping and bleeding.

The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation. It cannot be used to prevent a pregnancy like Plan B.

Risks of the abortion pill include: heavy vaginal bleeding, an incomplete abortion, infection, digestive issues, and fever.

Why These Differences Matter

Both of these drugs differ in timing and purpose. Plan B is used to prevent pregnancy before it starts, while the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy.

An ultrasound can help provide important information before making a pregnancy decision, including the location of the pregnancy, how far along the pregnancy is, and viability (if there is a heartbeat).

Reach Out to Willowbrook Women’s Center

Willowbrook Women’s Center is here to give you the answers to your questions in a caring and non-judgmental environment.

Our pregnancy services, including testing and an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy, are offered to you at no cost, and we also provide STD testing if you have recently had unprotected sex.

We know this time can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of what to do next, but we want you to know you are not alone.

Contact us to make your confidential appointment at our center.

Willowbrook Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.