"Plan B" (levonorgestrel) and the "abortion pill" (mifepristone) are two different medications with different mechanisms of action.
Plan B (levonorgestrel): Plan B is a type of emergency contraception commonly referred to as the "morning-after pill." It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (e.g., condom breakage). It works primarily by preventing or delaying ovulation, thereby preventing the release of an egg and the possibility of conception. Additionally, it may also alter the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it less favorable for sperm to reach the egg or for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
Abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol): The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion or medical abortion, is a non-surgical method used to terminate an early pregnancy. It involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterine lining breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot continue. A day or two later, misoprostol is taken to induce contractions and expel the contents of the uterus, completing the abortion process.
In summary, Plan B is an emergency contraception method that prevents pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation and altering the cervical mucus and uterine lining. It is not an abortion pill. On the other hand, the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) is used to terminate an early pregnancy, making it an abortion method.
Please note that medical knowledge and guidelines may evolve over time, so it is always essential to consult with a healthcare professional or check the latest information from reliable sources for the most up-to-date information.