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

With so many names and claims floating around for the abortion pill and Plan B, it’s easy to get the two confused. However, they’re very different. While the abortion pill terminates a pregnancy, Plan B is supposed to prevent pregnancy from happening.

Are you wondering whether or not you’re pregnant, or already know you are? You can visit Ascend Women’s Center to find out for sure and receive free and confidential early pregnancy services.

How Each Drug Works and the Ingredients

The Abortion Pill: Mifepristone and Misoprostol

The abortion pill consists of two drugs taken in succession: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone ends the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol triggers the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and tissue through vaginal bleeding.

Plan B: Levonorgestrel

Plan B is made of the drug levonorgestrel. This drug is supposed to stop or delay ovulation to prevent pregnancy. Due to this, any sperm that makes it inside a woman’s reproductive system during sex would not find an egg to fertilize.

However, if a woman has already ovulated and an egg has been released, Plan B would not make any difference, and a woman could become pregnant.

The FDA also updated Plan B’s label in 2022 to say that scientific evidence doesn’t suggest it impacts an early pregnancy. Before, it was thought that Plan B could prevent a fertilized egg (embryo) from attaching to the lining of the uterus. Now they say it only impacts ovulation.

Considerations for Both Drugs

Both drugs shouldn’t be taken lightly like an over-the-counter painkiller. While it’s not thought that Plan B can cause an abortion, it does impact a woman’s hormones and disrupts her cycle. 

The abortion pill has great risks. It triggers serious vaginal bleeding with blood clots up to the size of a lemon. Certain health conditions can make it unsafe.

Before pursuing drugs and procedures, always research the side effects and risks. This action can help protect your health and prevent complications.

Have More Questions?

Ascend Women’s Center is here to assist you and answer your questions. Schedule a free and confidential appointment for pregnancy testing, a limited ultrasound, and to ask any questions.

You’re not alone as you consider your pregnancy options.