What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B?

July 15, 2024

While some may use “the abortion pill” and “Plan B” interchangeably, they serve very different purposes. In short, the abortion pill ends a pregnancy, while Plan B prevents pregnancy.

Understanding how these work allows you to take charge of your health and equip yourself with the information needed to make healthy decisions. Elevate Women’s Center doesn’t provide or refer for abortions or Plan B, but we’ll supply accurate information on their risks and side effects.

Book a no-cost appointment today to learn more. 

Plan B: Birth Control or an Abortion Method?

Contrary to what you may have heard, Plan B is not an abortion method. It works by delaying or preventing pregnancy, but it will not end a pregnancy that has already been implanted.

Plan B is also called the “morning-after pill” because it is a form of emergency contraception. It’s not meant to be a regular form of birth control. 

Like any medication or drug you put into your body, Plan B has side effects and risks. For example, the risks of taking the morning-after pill include:

• Failure to prevent pregnancy (even with correct use)
  • Plan B can also fail if you are overweight or obese or take certain medications that can make it less effective, like St. John’s wort or barbiturates. 
• Allergic reactions (if you’re allergic to any part of Plan B)

Side effects include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Lower abdominal pain or cramps
• Bleeding between periods
• Heavier menstrual bleeding
• Breast tenderness

The Abortion Pill: End a Pregnancy

The abortion pill (aka medical abortion) ends a pregnancy with drugs. It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation. 

Abortion is illegal in Arkansas unless a provider decides it is necessary to save the woman’s life. If that situation doesn’t apply to you, you’d have to travel out of state for an abortion procedure.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary to the pregnancy’s development. Without this hormone, the pregnancy will detach and end. The second drug is called misoprostol–it causes your uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy from your body.

The abortion pill is not a birth control method as it does not prevent pregnancy. And it’s a serious medical decision with known side effects and risks. 

When you take abortion drugs, you’ll always have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. You could also experience other side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Diarrhea

The risks of taking abortion drugs include:

• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort
• Infection
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure)
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

Protecting Your Health is Essential

You should always receive medical oversight when you’re considering taking a medication or drug. For example, certain eligibility factors could disqualify you from taking abortion drugs. 

Speaking with a medical provider is a crucial step. And arming yourself with the facts will help you make informed decisions. 

Help is available if you have an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn accurate information about abortion, adoption, and parenting. You deserve the facts before selecting an option.

Book a no-cost appointment today. We’re here for you.