Is Plan B an abortion pill?

No, Plan B is not an abortion pill. It is a type of emergency contraception that can prevent pregnancy from occurring. Plan B works best to lower the chance of becoming pregnant when it is taken as soon as possible, within 72 hours, after unprotected sex. The use of Plan B does not prevent 100% of pregnancies.

What Is Plan B and How Does It Work?

Plan B, often called the “morning-after pill,” is an emergency contraception tablet used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure. It contains levonorgestrel, a hormone that works mainly by delaying ovulation. This means it helps prevent the release of an egg, so fertilization cannot occur.

Plan B works by blocking the surge of luteinizing hormone, which usually happens before ovulation occurs (when your ovary releases an egg). This delays or stops ovulation. Additionally, Plan B thickens cervical mucus, which interferes with how well sperm can move and reach the released eggs.

Is Plan B the Same as the Abortion Pill?

No, Plan B is not an abortion pill. The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, typically refers to mifepristone and misoprostol, which are used to end an existing pregnancy. Plan B cannot terminate a pregnancy that has already started; it only works before pregnancy occurs.

• Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, works by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation) or by preventing fertilization. It does not work if pregnancy has already occurred.
• Abortion pills, such as mifepristone and misoprostol, cause an abortion. They work by ending a pregnancy that has already been established in the uterus. Mifepristone blocks hormones required for a pregnancy to continue, while misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty.

While both Plan B and the abortion pill contain hormones, they have different mechanisms of action and serve distinct purposes.

Does Plan B Work if the Egg is Already Fertilized?

No. Plan B will not work if you are already pregnant (when a fertilized egg has attached to the lining of your uterus). Plan B temporarily stops ovulation, so that sperm cannot fertilize the egg. If you have already ovulated, Plan B will not work to prevent pregnancy. It also does not increase the risk of having a miscarriage, nor does it affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.

Common Questions About Plan B and Abortion Pills

What Are the Names of Abortion Pills?

Mifepristone and misoprostol are the most common medications used for medical abortion. Other terms you might see: “pregnancy stop tablets,” “pregnancy remove tablet,” or “termination pills.”

Related questions

• Can Plan B make your period late or cause bleeding?
• What are the signs that Plan B didn't work?
• Can you have sex after taking Plan B?

Can You Buy Abortion Pills Over the Counter?

• In most countries, abortion pills require a prescription and are not available over the counter.
• Plan B and similar emergency contraceptives are available without a prescription at most pharmacies.

Myth-Busting: Plan B vs. Abortion Pills

Myth: Plan B Causes Abortion

• Fact: Plan B does not cause abortion. It cannot affect an established pregnancy or harm a developing embryo.

Myth: Plan B and Abortion Pills Are Interchangeable

• Fact: Plan B is for emergency contraception only. Abortion pills are used to end a pregnancy up to roughly 10 weeks.

Key Differences: Plan B vs. Abortion Pills

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Side Effects of Plan B?

• Nausea, fatigue, headache, or changes in your next period are common but temporary.

How Effective Is Plan B?

• Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
• Studies show that about 7 out of 8 women did not become pregnant after using Plan B.

Can Plan B Be Used More Than Once?

• Yes, but it should not be used as a regular birth control method.

Key Takeaways

• Plan B is a safe and accessible emergency contraception option, not an abortion pill.
• Always consult a healthcare provider for questions about pregnancy prevention or termination.
• For more information, see the FDA’s latest guidelines and ask your pharmacist about available options.

This is not all the information you need to know about Plan B (levonorgestrel) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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