Is Plan B Similar to the Abortion Pill?

If you are looking for information about Plan B, the abortion pill, abortion clinic procedures, and what your pregnancy options are right now – Liberty Women’s Clinic can help. Start with free onsite pregnancy testing, and if you qualify, an ultrasound to obtain proof of pregnancy and verify how far along you are.

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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 unintended 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.

How does Plan B work?

Plan B is a brand name of emergency contraception. Other emergency contraceptive brands include Ella, Take Action, My Way, After Pill, and others.

Plan B is a form of emergency contraception that may work by delaying or preventing ovulation. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Plan B may also prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, making it an abortifacient.

Women considering emergency contraception should also be aware of potential risks and side effects. Some of the reported side effects of Plan B, including abdominal pain, cramping, and irregular bleeding, can resemble symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. Because ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition requiring prompt treatment, anyone experiencing severe abdominal pain or other concerning symptoms after taking emergency contraception should seek immediate medical care.

We are committed to providing accurate information so women can make informed decisions. While we do not provide or refer for contraception or abortion services, we believe every woman deserves compassionate support, medically accurate information, and the opportunity to learn about her body, her pregnancy options, and the resources available to her 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 used, or are already pregnant. Certain medications can decrease the effectiveness of morning-after pills.

Women with larger bodies need to know that Plan B may be less effective as an emergency contraception. Studies suggest that Plan B may not work for women who weigh 165 pounds to 176 pounds. It’s even less effective in women who weigh over 176 pounds — especially those with a body mass index (BMI) at or above 30.

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 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.

Make an Appointment

Be empowered to make an informed choice. All our pregnancy services are offered at no cost to you. Contact Liberty Women’s Clinic to learn more or to make an appointment.

References:

Morning-after pill. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/plan-b.html.

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