What’s the Difference Between Emergency Contraception and the Abortion Pill?

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, Hope Clinic offers free pregnancy testing and confidential counseling to help you understand your situation and make an informed decision.

Can I order Abortion Pills Online?

Yes, it’s possible to order pills online, but it’s important to ask yourself if it’s safe. Ordering abortion pills seems convenient and easy, but it does come with huge risks. When you order things from online pharmacies, they don’t always ask the right questions or get the necessary information that an in-person doctor would get. You could end up ordering chemicals or pills that are completely different from what you ordered. If you take counterfeit pills that are contaminated or mislabeled, you could put your health in serious danger.

 

That is why confirming your pregnancy with a healthcare provider is so important before you take any steps to get abortion pills.

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 pregnancy tissue.

This medication combination is used to end an existing pregnancy and is typically effective through 10-11 weeks 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.

How Do I Know Which One I Need?

The timing and your pregnancy status determine which medication might be relevant:

You might need emergency contraception if you had unprotected sex within the last 5 days, your birth control failed (broken condom, missed pills), you want to prevent pregnancy from occurring, or you haven’t confirmed you’re pregnant yet.

The abortion pill would be relevant if you have a confirmed pregnancy (positive pregnancy test), you’re within the gestational limits (typically up to 10-11 weeks), you’ve decided to terminate the pregnancy, and you’ve consulted with a medical provider.

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 an ultrasound, which can confirm pregnancy and determine how far along you are. This gives you time to understand your options and make an informed decision. Hope Clinic 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.

What Are My Rights in Mississippi Regarding These Medications?

The abortion pill is not legal in Mississippi because the state has a near-total abortion ban. This ban went into effect on July 7, 2022, and prohibits all abortions except to save the life of the pregnant person or in cases of rape or incest reported to law enforcement.

 

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. Hope Clinic 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 I take emergency contraception if I’m already on birth control?

Yes, emergency contraception can be used as backup if your regular birth control failed or you missed doses. It won’t interfere with your ongoing birth control.

How will I know if emergency contraception worked?

Your next period should come at the expected time or within a week. If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test.

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.

How effective is emergency contraception compared to the abortion pill?

This isn’t a direct comparison since they serve different purposes. Emergency contraception is about 75-89% effective at preventing pregnancy. The abortion pill is about 95-98% effective at ending an early pregnancy.

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?

Hope Clinic provides free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. For emergency contraception, many pharmacies offer generic versions that cost less, and some clinics provide it free or at reduced cost.

Need Support? We’re Here to Help

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy or have questions about your situation, Hop Clinic offers free, confidential services to help you make an informed decision. We provide pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, options counseling, community referrals, and emotional support.

Schedule your free pre-abortion screening today:

Remember

You don’t have to face this decision alone. Whether you choose parenting, adoption, or abortion, you deserve complete information, quality medical care, and compassionate support. Take time to understand all your options and the medical facts involved. Your health and safety matter, and help is available.