What’s the difference?
| Emergency Contraception (or EC) (Morning After Pill) | Abortion Pill/ Medical Abortion (Mifepristone/RU-486) | |
| What Does It Do? | Prevents a pregnancy after intercourse | Ends a pregnancy |
| When Can I Use It? | Works within 5 days of unprotected sex | Ends pregnancies in the first 9 weeks |
| Brand Names Of Pills | Plan B | Mifeprex |
| What’s In The Pills? | Plan B contains the hormone progestin. | Consists of the drug mifepristone, which is taken along with another drug, misoprostol. |
| When Do You Take It? | The sooner EC is taken after an episode of unprotected sex, the better it works. It works up to 5 days after unprotected sex. The 2 pills can be taken at one time. | An abortion with RU-486 usually requires 2 visits to the provider. On the first day, a woman takes mifepristone. On the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th day, the woman inserts misoprostol in her vagina. It usually takes several hours for the abortion to occur. A few days later she has a follow-up visit with the provider. |
| What Happens to Your Body? | Side effects other than nausea are rare but can include vomiting, fatigue, headache, dizziness and breast pain. The next period sometimes comes a few days early or a few days late. | Heavy bleeding with clots is common during the abortion. Afterwards, lighter bleeding with clots may last 1-2 weeks or more. The pain varies from mild to very strong cramping off and on throughout the abortion. Pain pills help. |
| How Much Does It Cost? | The average cost is between $20 and $40. | An abortion with RU486 costs from $350 and up. The exact cost depends on where you go for the procedure. Most insurance plans now cover it. |
| How Effective Is It? | Taken correctly, EC reduces a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant by 75 to 95%. | Success rate is about 95-99%. When it fails, a suction abortion is needed. |
| Do You Have To Tell Your Parents? | No | Parental consent laws vary from state to state. To find out if parental consent laws apply in your state, visit the Center for Reproductive Rights at www.reproductiverights.org |
| Insurance Coverage | Insurance plans that cover birth control pills usually cover EC. | Many insurance plans now cover medical abortion. |
| How Do I Find It? | Ask your health care provider or call (888) NOT-2-LATE or visit www.not-2-late.com | For the provider closest to you, call (800) 772-9100 |
