Is Plan B Similar to the Abortion Pill?

If you are looking for information about Plan B, the abortion pill, abortion clinic procedures, and your pregnancy options, Clarity Clinic can help. Start with FREE and CONFIDENTIAL on-site pregnancy testing, and, if your test is positive, an ultrasound to confirm viability and gestational age.

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

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Plan B should NOT be taken if you already may be pregnant. If you are experiencing pregnancy symptoms, contact us to learn more about our FREE and CONFIDENTIAL pregnancy services. Please note that the abortion pill is NOT the same as the morning-after pill and is not an emergency contraceptive.

How does Plan B work?

The Plan B (morning-after) pill is designed to prevent pregnancy before it occurs by inhibiting or delaying ovulation. It contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that slows down the release of an egg from the ovary 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.

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 an abortion, while others maintain that pregnancy does not begin until implantation. Because of this latter view, 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 mechanism of action with your healthcare provider before taking Plan B or any emergency contraception. Although 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. Clarity Clinic believes that women deserve to learn about their options and the resources available to them without cost or pressure.

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, talking to a health professional about potential risks and side effects is important. Plan B should not be taken if you have certain health conditions, have any allergies to the medications contained therein, or are already pregnant. Furthermore, certain medications can decrease the effectiveness of morning-after pills.

What if my period is late?

If you have a late or missed 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 is to confirm the viability of your pregnancy and rule out an ectopic pregnancy or natural miscarriage.

Contact Clarity Clinic for a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL pregnancy test and ultrasound to determine the gestational age and to learn about the options available to you. Be empowered to make an informed choice.​

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References: 

Morning-after pill. (n.d.). Drugs.com. 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.

American Pregnancy Association. (2023, July 3). American Pregnancy Association - Promoting Pregnancy Wellness. https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-pill/

Morning-after pill - Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730.

Cleland, K., Raymond, E. G., Westley, E., & Trussell, J. (2014b). Emergency contraception review. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 57(4), 741–750. https://doi.org/10.1097/grf.0000000000000056