What Is the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B?

The abortion pill and Plan B are distinct drugs with two different purposes: the abortion pill terminates an established pregnancy, while Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that prevents pregnancy from occurring.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill is a series of two powerful drugs that work together to terminate a pregnancy and then expel it from the uterus.

The first drug is mifepristone. It works by blocking progesterone in your body. This hormone is needed to sustain a pregnancy, and without it, your pregnancy will end.

The second drug is misoprostol. It causes your uterus to contract and expel the terminated pregnancy through your vagina.

After taking the abortion drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, and some women have reported that the pain is unexpectedly severe. Furthermore, these drugs also come with other potentially serious risks to your health.

It’s essential to know that not every woman is eligible for the abortion pill. If your pregnancy is further than 10 weeks gestation, or if you meet other disqualifying criteria, taking the abortion drugs can put your health at risk.

How Does Plan B Work?

Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is an emergency contraceptive that prevents or delays ovulation—which also prevents pregnancy from taking place.

Plan B is most effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. However, it’s essential to note that Plan B will not terminate an existing pregnancy, and it’s not intended to be used as a routine birth control method.