01 Sep What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B?
Are you worried you might be pregnant and wondering what to do? It’s important to confirm your pregnancy first if you are considering the abortion pill or Plan B. The abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy, and Plan B works to prevent pregnancy. Be informed before investing in either one.
Confirm Your Pregnancy First
A positive at-home pregnancy test only indicates the possibility you’re pregnant. You need an ultrasound scan to confirm if your pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat) or if you’ve miscarried.
The Mayo Clinic states up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. Before investing in the abortion pill or Plan B, you need more information.
Come to Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center first and receive a no-cost, confidential pregnancy test and medical confirmation of pregnancy via ultrasound.
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is a medical abortion. The FDA has approved the abortion pill method through 70 days’ gestation (70 days or less since the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period).
This method uses two drugs over a 24- to 48-hour period to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, works to block a hormone called progesterone. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins and prevents the embryo from implanting and growing.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
Plan B
Plan B is also called the “morning-after” pill. It is an emergency contraceptive for women to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Plan B delays or prevents ovulation and fertilization.
According to the National Institute of Health, you must take Plan B as soon as possible, within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the greater its effectiveness.
It should not be used routinely and doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Plan B may not be effective if you’re overweight or obese, allergic to any of its ingredients, or taking certain other medications.
Would You Like More Information?
We encourage you to contact us if you have questions regarding your options or the risks of the abortion pill and Plan B. We can help you get answers.
If you need to confirm your pregnancy first, schedule your no-cost appointment for a pregnancy test and ultrasound at one of our four locations. We’re here to focus on you. Ask us how we can assist you.