The Abortion Pill and the Morning-After Pill: Understanding the Differences and Effects
There is much confusion about the two drugs which are often called “The Abortion Pill” and “The Morning-After Pill.” Surveys have shown that a majority of respondents are either misinformed or unaware of the differences between these two drugs. Due to confusion between these two drugs, CLR has provided this article to clarify the issue.
The Abortion Pill (Mifepristone)
In 1980, a Frenchman, Dr. Etienne-Emile Baulieu, discovered a steroid hormone similar to progesterone called mifepristone. The sole purpose of this drug is to abort an early pregnancy. The French pharmaceutical company, Roussel-Uclaf, patented the drug. The company’s initials provide the first part of the drug’s label, namely, RU-486. The manufacturing rights were handed over to a newly-formed American company, Danco Laboratories, and the name of the drug was marketed as Mifeprex. Mifeprex is designed to terminate a pregnancy within the first seven weeks, although it has been used to abort babies as late as nine weeks. Because this drug was established as a non-surgical abortion method, it is often referenced as “The Abortion Pill.”
The Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception)
The term, “Morning-After Pill,” has been used to describe a number of different drugs and procedures. These pills are high-dose hormonal medications that prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation. By stopping or postponing the release of an egg, they prevent sperm from fertilizing it. This Morning-After Pill is really misnamed for a number of reasons. Pharmaceutical companies have addressed this issue by referencing this method of birth control as “emergency contraception” instead of the Morning-After Pill.
It’s crucial to note that contraceptive pills do not terminate an existing pregnancy. They are not abortion pills and won’t have any effect if implantation has already occurred. In some cases, the pills prevent ovulation, but in other cases, they inhibit the implantation of an embryo. In cases in which an embryo cannot implant, the drug acts as a chemical abortifacient and that leads to the confusion between the two drugs.
Comparison of The Abortion Pill and Emergency Contraception
| Feature | The Abortion Pill (Mifeprex) | The Morning-After Pill (ECPs) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | To abort/terminate an early pregnancy. | To prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation. |
| Mechanism | Non-surgical abortion method. | Stopping or postponing the release of an egg. |
| Timing | Within the first 7 to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Best within 72 hours (up to 5 days). |
| Availability | Danco Laboratories (Prescription). | Over the counter (Plan B) or Prescription (Ella). |
Types of Emergency Contraceptive Pills
- Levonorgestrel-based pills (e.g., Plan B One-Step): These are available over the counter and work best when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex.
- Ulipristal acetate pills (e.g., Ella): Available by prescription, these can be effective up to five days after unprotected intercourse.
Common Side Effects of Emergency Contraceptive Pills
While contraceptive pills are generally safe for most people, some side effects can occur due to the high dose of hormones. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly reported side effects:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Many people feel nauseous after taking contraceptive pills. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, you might need another dose.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired is a common side effect.
- Menstrual Changes: Your period may arrive earlier or later than expected, and the flow might be lighter or heavier.
- Breast Tenderness: You might experience soreness or tenderness in your breasts.
- Headaches and Dizziness: These side effects usually subside quickly.
- Abdominal Cramps: Some individuals experience discomfort in their lower abdomen.
Myths About Side Effects
There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding contraceptive pills. Let’s address some common myths:
- Myth: ECPs cause infertility. Fact: There’s no evidence to suggest that emergency contraceptive pills impact long-term fertility.
- Myth: They harm an existing pregnancy. Fact: Emergency contraceptive pills have no effect if you’re already pregnant and won’t harm the pregnancy.
- Myth: Side effects are severe. Fact: Most side effects are mild and temporary, resolving within a few days.