Plan B. Plan C. The abortion pill.
If you're worried about an unexpected pregnancy, all the names can get confusing fast. But Plan B and Plan C are two very different medications used at different points.
Here's the simplest difference:
Have questions about abortion or early pregnancy? Make a free Pre-Abortion Assessment appointment.
What Is Plan B?
Plan B is emergency contraception. It's intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom.
Plan B contains levonorgestrel, which primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation.
Plan B does not end an existing pregnancy and is not the abortion pill.
Timing matters. Plan B is labeled for use within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex and works best when taken as soon as possible. As more time passes, Plan B becomes less effective.
What Is Plan C?
Plan C is a term commonly used for medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill.
Unlike Plan B, Plan C is intended to end an existing pregnancy. Medication abortion typically involves two medications:
- Mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue.
- Misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and empty.
So while the names sound similar, Plan B helps prevent pregnancy while Plan C ends an existing pregnancy.
Which One Applies to Me?
Timing makes a big difference.
If unprotected sex happened within the last 3 days, Plan B may still be an option.
If your period is late, you've had a positive pregnancy test, or you think you may already be pregnant, Plan B will not end an existing pregnancy.
That's when confirming whether you're pregnant can help you understand what comes next.
Hope offers free pregnancy testing in Temple, Killeen & Copperas Cove, so you can get an answer without relying on symptoms or timing alone.
Considering Plan C?
If your pregnancy test is positive and you're considering Plan C or the abortion pill, there's more you should learn about your specific pregnancy first.
You'll want answers to questions like:
- How far along am I?
- Where is the pregnancy developing?
- What abortion information applies to my pregnancy?
These details matter because timing can affect what abortion options may apply to your pregnancy.
The abortion pill also does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus and can become a medical emergency.
HOPE has a free Pre-Abortion Assessment designed specifically for those considering abortion. Get pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, and personalized abortion information before moving forward.
Get Personalized Answers Before Abortion
You can find a lot of general information about Plan B, Plan C and the abortion pill online. Hope can help you understand what applies to your pregnancy.
Make a Free Appointment or text (254) 602-4321.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Emergency Contraception.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Plan B One-Step.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Mifepristone Information.
