A pill seems to be a go to solution for many physical needs today, from a headache to an unwanted pregnancy. Nurses at We Care and surrounding areas are seeing more and more women utilizing the Morning After Pill as a source of emergency contraception after the fact. There has similarly been a rise in the use of the Abortion Pill (not to be confused with the Morning After Pill) for first-trimester abortions. Nurses are concerned that these are being marketed as a quick fix, while little to no information is being given for either. There are some key differences to these options and a few things that it is important to know about them.
The Morning After Pill and the Abortion Pill may sound similar, but they have very different roles. We have seen instances of young women using the Morning After Pill thinking it works the same way as the Abortion Pill.
Morning After Pill
The Morning After Pill, or Plan B, is classified as an emergency contraceptive, to be used in situations of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. This pill is recommended to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Functionally, it exposes your body to a high dose of hormones that are intended to keep the sperm and egg from meeting. If the egg has already been fertilized (when life begins), it creates an environment in which the egg cannot implant in the uterus wall. This will not affect an established pregnancy (an implanted egg).
Abortion Pill
The Abortion Pill (which a series of 2 pills) only is effective in an already established pregnancy.
It can be used up until 10 weeks past your last known period. In this case, the first pill cuts off the progesterone to the baby which will cause the baby to die. Then the 2nd pill, taken up to 72 hours later, will cause the baby to be expelled from the uterus.
Possible Negative Side Affects
Both have reported experiences of severe cramping. With the Morning After Pill, it can have possible outcomes of irregular periods, delayed ovulation, nausea, and cramps. With the Abortion Pill, there are possible side effects such as heavy bleeding*, cramping, possible hemorrhaging, incomplete abortion, among other things.
This is just a brief overview of the differences between the Morning After Pill and the Abortion Pill.
If you find yourself in situations in which you are considering with one of these options, we recommend you call us at We Care Pregnancy Clinic, where we can give you information that will help you to make the most informed choice you can.
*if you choose this method of abortion, we highly recommend you have a friend or family member with you in case of possibly life-threatening side effects.
Before You Decide. 2019: 6;15-3. Print.