Many women have misconception about the morning after pills and think they are similar to abortion pills. This is not the case, as there are many differences between them. It is essential for you to be aware of these differences.

Before moving towards the differences between these two drugs, let’s first understand what exactly is morning after pill and an abortion pill.

The morning after pill:

The term ‘morning after pill’ is often used to describe numerous procedures and different drugs, used to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Many women have realized the potential of a birth control pill in avoiding pregnancy and this has led several pharmaceutical companies to manufacture such pills. These pills prevent ovulation and can inhibit the implantation of an embryo, thereby avoiding the pregnancy. These pills are effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

Abortion Pill:

These pills were discovered in the 1980s through a steroid hormone, which was similar to progesterone, a female hormone. The steroid was named as mifepristone and its sole purpose was to abort an early chance of pregnancy. However, it faced severe criticism and wrath from several pro-life activists and organizations. Abortion pills are designed to abort pregnancy within the first seven weeks. Due to its non-surgical abortion traits, it is considered safe.

Distinctive chart of the Morning after pills and the abortion pills:

The Morning after pill:

o Brand name: Plan B

o Promoted in the market as: Emergency Contraception

o Effective: Within 72 hours of an unprotected sexual intercourse

o Working: Stops the ovulation process and alters the lining of the womb to prevent implantation

o Does it kill a fetus: The chances of killing a fetus are very rare, as it terminates the chances of pregnancy

o Side effects: morning after pill side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain and some serious concerns such as heart problem or blood clotting that may lead to hospitalization or even death.

The Abortion Pill:

o Brand name: Mifeprex

o Promoted in the market as: Alternative option for abortion

o Effective: When taken within the first 7 weeks of pregnancy

o Working: It binds itself to progesterone on the walls of the uterus and blocks the effect of the progesterone, thereby aborting the pregnancy.

o Does it kill a fetus: Yes

o Side effects: A woman taking such pills can suffer from nausea, diarrhea, heavy bleeding or infection that could lead to hospitalization or even death.