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 |
