What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and the Morning-After Pill?

The abortion pill and the morning-after pill are sometimes talked about as though they do the same thing. However, they serve very different purposes. 

The morning-after pill is taken to reduce the chance of pregnancy after sex. The abortion pill is used after a pregnancy has already begun to end it.

If you’re not sure whether you’re pregnant, Hope Women’s Center offers free, confidential appointments where you can take a self-administered pregnancy test, receive an ultrasound if you qualify, and get your questions answered.

Contact us to schedule a visit before deciding what you need.

The Morning-After Pill Prevents or Delays Ovulation

Plan B One-Step and similar morning-after pills contain the drug levonorgestrel. According to the FDA, levonorgestrel works before pregnancy occurs, primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation.

In other words, it may prevent an egg from being released so fertilization cannot take place.

It used to be thought that a Plan B could terminate a very early pregnancy before implantation. However, the FDA updated its drug label in 2022 to say there’s insufficient evidence to suggest that Plan B prevents a fertilized egg from implanting.

Plan B does not impact an established pregnancy and will not work as an abortion drug if you are already pregnant.

Possible side effects can include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, and changes in the timing of your next period.

The Abortion Pill Ends an Existing Pregnancy

The abortion pill is a different process altogether.

Medical abortion generally uses two drugs. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is taken afterward and causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy.

The FDA has approved this drug regimen for an intrauterine pregnancy only through 10 weeks of gestation.

Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping occur during the process. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills. Risks can include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion requiring additional treatment, or an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs are unsuccessful.

Not Sure What to Do?

If your period is late or you’ve had a positive home pregnancy test, start by finding out whether you’re pregnant.

Hope Women’s Center offers a free, confidential self-administered pregnancy test. If additional pregnancy information is needed, the center can also provide an ultrasound.

An ultrasound helps confirm how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and whether the pregnancy is developing, which are key details to consider as you weigh your options. 

We’re here for you. Contact Hope Women’s Center to make a free, confidential appointment and get answers to your questions.

Hope Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.