Emergency contraception (Plan B, ella) and the abortion pill (mifepristone/misoprostol) are completely different medications with different purposes. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy from occurring, while the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy. This is the fundamental difference that many people don’t understand.
If you’re confused about which medication you might need or have questions about your options, The Keim Centers offers free pregnancy testing and confidential counseling to help you understand your situation and make an informed decision.
How Does Emergency Contraception Work?
Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovary). If there’s no egg available when sperm are present, pregnancy cannot occur.
Plan B (levonorgestrel) must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex and is more effective the sooner you take it. You can get it over the counter without a prescription. Plan B works primarily by preventing ovulation and will NOT end an existing pregnancy.
ella (ulipristal acetate) can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex but requires a prescription. It’s more effective than Plan B, especially after 72 hours. Like Plan B, ella works by preventing or delaying ovulation and will NOT terminate an existing pregnancy.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is actually two different medications taken 24-48 hours apart: Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy, while Misoprostol causes uterine contractions to expel the pre-born baby.
This medication combination is used to end an existing pregnancy and is typically prescribed through the tenth week of pregnancy. It requires a prescription and medical supervision. The process causes cramping and bleeding similar to a miscarriage and has a completely different purpose than emergency contraception.
Can Emergency Contraception Cause an Abortion?
No, emergency contraception cannot cause an abortion. This is a common misconception. Emergency contraception only works BEFORE pregnancy occurs. If you’re already pregnant, Plan B and ella will not harm or end the pregnancy. These medications cannot disrupt an implanted embryo. Medical organizations, including the FDA, confirm emergency contraception is not an abortifacient.
What If I Already Took Emergency Contraception But Think I Might Be Pregnant?
If you took emergency contraception but your period is late or you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms, the first step is to take a pregnancy test since emergency contraception is not 100% effective. It’s important to know that EC doesn’t harm an existing pregnancy, so if you are pregnant, the emergency contraception won’t affect the pregnancy.
You should seek medical confirmation through a sonogram, which can confirm pregnancy and determine how far along you are. This gives you time to understand your options and make an informed decision. The Keim Centers offers free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to help you confirm your pregnancy status and understand your options.
Are There Side Effects I Should Know About?
Emergency Contraception side effects are usually mild and temporary. You might experience nausea or vomiting, fatigue, headache, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding or spotting, and changes to your next period. These typically resolve quickly and don’t require medical intervention.
Abortion pill side effects are more significant and include heavy bleeding and cramping as an expected part of the process. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills. This process requires follow-up care and carries a risk of incomplete abortion that might require surgical intervention. There can also be emotional and psychological effects to consider.
The Keim Centers don’t require insurance. Our services are free. Come to us before you spend a lot of money on pills you may not need. Come to us to understand all of your options, so you can make the right decision for you.
The Costs of abortion pills?
The financial cost of abortion pills (medication abortion) in the U.S. generally ranges from $150 to $950 without insurance, with the average cost being around $563. The final price depends heavily on the provider, location, insurance coverage, and available financial assistance.
The other costs include emotional and potential physical costs that could negatively affect you down the line. Before you consider purchasing abortion pills, give our clinic a call. We help you consider all your options before you make a decision.
Where Can I Get Accurate Information and Support?
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy or have questions about your options, it’s important to get accurate medical information and support. The Keim Centers provides free pregnancy testing to confirm your pregnancy status, free limited ultrasounds to determine gestational age, confidential options counseling to help you understand all your choices, accurate medical information about all pregnancy options, and referrals to community resources based on your decision.
We don’t provide or refer for abortion services or emergency contraception, but we offer accurate information about all options so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can emergency contraception protect me from STIs?
No, emergency contraception only helps prevent pregnancy. It provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
What’s the difference between Plan B and the “morning-after pill”?
They’re the same thing. Plan B is a brand name for the morning-after pill (emergency contraception).
If I took Plan B but I’m still pregnant, will the baby have birth defects?
No, studies show that emergency contraception does not increase the risk of birth defects if pregnancy occurs or continues.
Can I buy the abortion pill over the counter like Plan B?
No, the abortion pill (mifepristone/misoprostol) requires a prescription and medical supervision. Only emergency contraception (Plan B) is available over-the-counter.
What if I can’t afford emergency contraception or pregnancy care?
The Keim Centers provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy or have questions about your situation, The Keim Centers offers free, confidential services to help you make an informed decision. We provide pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, options counseling, and support.
Schedule a free appointment today:
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