Is the Morning After Pill the Same as the Abortion Pill?

What is the “Abortion Pill?” Is the Abortion Pill and the “Morning After Pill” the same? The Morning After Pill and the Abortion Pill are not the same drug and each one works very differently. In order for you to distinguish between the Morning After Pill and the Abortion Pill, this article is meant for informational purposes.

The name “The Morning After Pill,” also referred to as “Plan B,” is used to refer to a variety of brands of birth control pills that contain the hormone levonorgestrel. When used as prescribed, these pills can be used to stop ovulation without harming an already-existing pregnancy. Birth control pills can be bought legally in California without a prescription.

Mifepristone, also known as Mifeprex or RU486, is the name of the medication that is commonly referred to as The Abortion Pill. When combined with misoprostol, mifepristone can end an ongoing pregnancy (but not an ectopic pregnancy; in that case, a different procedure or medication is required). It is now legal to end an early pregnancy up to 70 days (10 weeks) after the woman’s last period. Only a doctor’s prescription is required to purchase mifepristone from your neighborhood pharmacy, such as Walgreen’s or CVS.

Using these pills to end a pregnancy requires a two-step process. Mifepristone, also known as Mifeprex, is an anti-progesterone that terminates pregnancies by obstructing progesterone receptors on the uterine wall. The lining of the uterine walls begins to shed as it would during a menstrual cycle as a result. Additionally, it expands and softens the cervix, making abortion easier.

Misoprostol is employed to aid in removing the pregnancy. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin that softens and dilates the cervix in addition to inducing uterine contractions. To complete the abortion procedure, it is used about two days after taking Mifepristone. Approximately 97% of the time, an abortion is finished when combined with mifepristone.

Following the Mifepristone and Misoprostol regimen, pelvic cramping, vaginal bleeding, spotting, and the expulsion of tissue and blood clots are frequent side effects and typically last for 9 to 16 days. Additionally typical symptoms include diarrhea, weakness, fever, chills, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

It’s crucial to schedule a follow-up appointment 7–14 days after starting the abortion pill regimen to make sure no tissue was left behind and the abortion was successful. A woman will talk with her provider about her options if an ultrasound at the follow-up visit reveals that Mifepristone has not been effective.