Is Plan B considered the abortion pill?

If you are looking for information about Plan B and the abortion pill, we can help answer your questions. Think you may be pregnant? Start with no-cost pregnancy testing, and if you qualify, an ultrasound to obtain proof of pregnancy and verify how far along you are.

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How does Plan B work?

Plan B morning-after pills are designed to prevent pregnancy before it occurs by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. It contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that controls the release of an egg from the ovary or slows it long enough to prevent fertilization. If fertilization has already occurred, Plan B may prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, ending the pregnancy post-conception. 

Please note that while we provide information on emergency contraceptives and can answer any questions about how morning-after pills and abortion pills work, we do not provide or refer for contraceptives or abortion services. 

What is Plan B? Is the abortion pill an emergency contraceptive? 

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is used as an emergency contraceptive designed to prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. It is not the same as the abortion pill or a medication abortion. Plan B should not be taken if you may already be pregnant. If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, contact us to learn more about the confidential and cost-free pregnancy services we provide. 

Plan B’s ability to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus is a topic of ongoing debate. Some medical professionals argue that this may constitute a miscarriage, while others maintain that pregnancy does not begin until implantation; therefore, Plan B is labeled a form of contraception rather than an abortion pill. It is essential to discuss any questions or concerns regarding Plan B and its mechanisms of action with your healthcare provider before taking Plan B or any emergency contraception. Please note that while we provide information on emergency contraceptives and can answer any questions about how morning-after pills and abortion pills work, we do not provide or refer for contraceptives or abortion services. We believe that women deserve to learn about their cycle, their options, and the resources available to them without the cost or pressure involved. 

Is Plan B legal in every state? What else do I need to know?

Yes. There are no legal restrictions on any emergency contraceptives or morning-after pills. However, with any medication, it is important to talk to a health professional about potential risks and side effects. Plan B should not be taken if you have certain health conditions or have any allergies to the medications used. Certain medications can decrease the effectiveness of morning-after pills.

What if my period is late?

If you have a missed or late period or have already had a positive home pregnancy test, it is too late to take an emergency contraceptive such as Plan B or ella®. The next step would be to confirm if your pregnancy is viable and rule out an ectopic pregnancy or a natural miscarriage. Abortion pills do not work if the pregnancy is located outside of the uterus.

Conception calculators can only estimate gestational age based on your last menstrual period. Contact us for free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to find out how far along you are and the options available to you. 

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Be empowered to make an informed choice. All our pregnancy services are offered at no cost to you. Contact us to learn more or to make an appointment.

References: 

https://www.drugs.com/mcp/morning-after-pill#:~:text=Plan%20B%20One-Step%20is%20a%20type%20of%20morning-after,a%20fertilized%20egg%20from%20implanting%20in%20the%20uterus.

https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-pill/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730.