Abortion Pill vs. Plan B: What’s the Difference and Where Can You Find Support?
May 2, 2025
Understanding your options when facing an unexpected pregnancy.
If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy or think you might be, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and full of questions. In the midst of all the information on social media and opinions around you, it can be hard to understand what your options really are—and what they mean for your body and your future. Two of the most commonly confused terms are Plan B and the Abortion Pill, but they are not the same thing.
Let’s break it down together!
What Is Plan B?
Plan B, also known as the “morning-after pill,” is a form of emergency contraception intended to be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The Plan B pill is an over the counter drug called levonorgestrel. The Plan B pill is often marketed as a way to prevent pregnancy, but how it works—and when—is not always clearly understood.
Plan B may work in one of three ways:
- Delaying ovulation, so that an egg isn’t released
- Preventing fertilization, if an egg has been released
- Altering the lining of the uterus, potentially preventing a fertilized egg from implanting
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The Abortion Pill—also known as a medication (or chemical) abortion—involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. This series of two drugs is a chemical abortion prescribed up to 10 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. Here’s how it works:
- Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy.
- Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Understanding the Risks
Risks of Plan B
While Plan B is available over the counter, that does not mean it is risk-free. Some women experience side effects such as:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headaches or dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Changes in menstrual cycle (heavier, lighter, earlier, or later periods)
Because Plan B is taken in a high dose of hormones, repeated use may disrupt your body’s natural cycle and could mask signs of an existing pregnancy. It is also important to know that Plan B is not 100% effective, and if fertilization and implantation do occur, it could result in a continued or undetected pregnancy.
Risks of the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill (a two-drug process using mifepristone and misoprostol) carries more serious risks and should never be taken without a medical consultation and follow-up care. Potential physical risks include:
- Heavy bleeding (hemorrhaging)
- Severe cramping
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Incomplete abortion (requiring surgical intervention)
- Infection or fever
- Risk of undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if untreated
Beyond physical side effects, emotional and psychological effects are also very real. Many women experience anxiety, regret, depression, or trauma after an abortion, especially when they feel unsure or pressured into making a quick decision.
That’s why it’s so important to get the true facts, talk to someone you trust, and make an informed choice—one that brings peace, not more pain.
How Amnion Can Help
At Amnion, we know that this decision is not just medical—it’s emotional, relational, and deeply personal. And you shouldn’t have to make it alone.
If you’re considering Plan B or the Abortion Pill, here’s how we can support you:
- Free Pregnancy Testing: Know for sure before making any decisions.
- Free Ultrasounds: Provides necessary facts on viability and health facts based on exam results.
- Counseling: We provide a safe, confidential space to talk through your choices with someone who truly cares.
- Medical Referrals & Resources: We’ll connect you with trusted healthcare and community resources.
- Ongoing Support: Parenting classes, emotional support, and material resources like diapers and baby items—if you choose to continue your pregnancy.
You’re Not Alone. Let’s Talk.
If you’re unsure what to do or need someone to talk to about the testing and health facts you need, we are here to help. Our medical tests and advocacy services are free and confidential. We will walk through your test results with you and provide information and education resources.
You are not just a number or another patient—you have a unique situation and a personal story—we want to walk with you every step of the way.
=========================
To schedule an appointment for a FREE ultrasound test, make an appointment with us or call 610.622.9957.
All of our services free and fully confidential.
