What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and the Morning-After Pill?
The abortion pill and the morning-after pill are easy to confuse, especially since both involve pregnancy and have “pill” in the name. Understanding the difference starts with knowing what each drug is designed to do.
Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center is here to help you understand your options so you can have accurate information. A medical screening before making any pregnancy decision is important to protect your health.
We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy and STD testing and treatment at no cost to you.
Schedule an appointment to get the care you deserve.
How the Morning-After Pill Works
The morning-after pill, often sold under the name Plan B, is intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected sex. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours.
This drug contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, and is designed to delay or prevent ovulation, so fertilization doesn’t occur.
Plan B was once thought to be an abortifacient, but the FDA updated Plan B’s label in 2022 because there wasn’t enough evidence to suggest that Plan B could prevent an embryo from implanting in the lining of the uterus.
Common side effects of the morning-after pill include fatigue, spotting or changes to your next period, upset stomach or vomiting, breast tenderness, and pain in the lower stomach area.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, involves two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and bleeding.
The abortion pill is approved for use through ten weeks of gestation by the FDA. Potential risks of taking these drugs include an incomplete abortion, infection, and heavy and prolonged bleeding.
What Are the Differences?
The morning-after pill and the abortion pill work differently and are used at different stages. The morning-after pill is used before a pregnancy begins, while the abortion pill is used after a pregnancy has already been confirmed. Both drugs work by disrupting your hormones.
If you think you could be pregnant, confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound can provide important information, including the location of the pregnancy, how far along you are, and whether the pregnancy appears to be developing. This can help identify concerns such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.
Get Information at Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center
With so much information available, it can be difficult to know what information is accurate. At Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center, we will give you up-to-date information about your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion after confirming your pregnancy.
We are here to help you. Contact us to make an appointment.
Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
Referrals
The Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center provides referrals for services from housing to counseling. Do you have a need beyond your pregnancy? Contact us.
Parenting Program
Successful parenting is possible. Our parenting program prepares mothers and fathers for pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. Be informed.
For Men
An unplanned pregnancy affects you as well as your partner. Find out how to support her while getting the help and education you need from our men on staff.
Referrals
The Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center provides referrals for services from housing to counseling. Do you have a need beyond your pregnancy? Contact us.
Parenting Program
Successful parenting is possible. Our parenting program prepares mothers and fathers for pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. Be informed.
For Men
An unplanned pregnancy affects you as well as your partner. Find out how to support her while getting the help and education you need from our men on staff.
