Abortion Pills, otherwise known as medication abortion, are being used more and more by people in need of a private and early method of terminating pregnancy, and it has become increasingly easy-to-access.
A Plan C guide can let you know how the abortion pill works, how effective it is, and what to expect during the abortion pill process, as well as providing an understanding of the self-managed abortion process, which may or may not be done along with a health care professional; there are also telehealth services available for the self-managed abortion process. As with any way to obtain an abortion, it’s important to have an understanding of how to properly follow the abortion pill procedures and to have a healthcare professional that can help you to understand how to do it safely and effectively.
This guide provides information about what Plan C is, how it works, and how to obtain the abortion pill safely.
What Are Plan C Pills?
Abortion pills can be referred to as “Plan C” by some, which simply indicates they can be used as a means of terminating an early pregnancy. They are not a specific type of medication or treatment; instead, these abortion pills are often simply referred to as “medication abortion.”
The following medications are often used for medication abortion:
- Mifepristone: This medicine inhibits the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a pregnancy.
- Misoprostol: This medicine stimulates the uterus to contract and remove the tissue of pregnancy.
Both of the medicines above have been extensively researched and have demonstrated that they can be effectively used, in conjunction with proper administration of each medicine, to complete an early medical abortion in many different locations.
People who want to take medication abortion often refer to a Plan C guide to learn about the overall process and if using medication abortion is a feasible choice for them.
Plan C Cost
The costs associated with getting abortion pills depend on how the medicine is accessed and what your location is/where it was acquired from.
There are several things that may contribute to the final cost of medications:
- Whether the pills were obtained through a telehealth provider or in a physical clinic.
- Whether insurance covers any portion of the costs.
- Whether you receive any assistance from financial aid programs.
- Levels of assistance received during the procedure (i.e., whether your provider offers any type of additional medical support).
Sliding-scale pricing, insurance acceptance, as well as help through abortion funding programs and nonprofits to support patients with the cost of a medication abortion and any medical expenses or travel would also benefit a patient who seeks an abortion cost-effective.
How Effective Are Plan C Pills?
Mifepristone and misoprostol for drug chemical abortion is very successful for early stage pregnancies.
- When used properly as directed by a doctor, the two drugs will help successfully terminate/successful pregnancy 95-98% of the time for 10-11 weeks of pregnancy.
- In certain situations, it is possible to use misoprostol alone; however usage of both medications will allow for a greater success rate when used together.
- Drug abortion is an option that has been studied extensively throughout the world for many decades. Research shows that drug abortion (when done according to physician instructions) is a safe way to end early-stage pregnancy.
- For those considering following plan c instructions for self-administered abortion, following a reliable/plans c guide and consulting with qualified health care providers (when possible) will help ensure abortion is done correctly and safely.
Common Symptoms After Taking Plan C Pills
Symptoms experienced following the ingestion of an abortion pill have a typical appearance, these symptoms may resemble that of symptoms after having had a miscarriage and commonly occur after being given misoprostol.
Some of the side effects can include:
- heavy bleeding
- cramping
- nausea/vomiting
- fever/chills
- headaches
- fatigue
- diarrhea
The majority of noticeable side effects would be covering both and cramping due to the body expelling the tissue of the pregnancy.
Whenever the heaviest bleeding is likely to take place, it generally takes place a few hours after taking miso and can last anywhere between one to a few hours. Lighter bleeding may occur for anywhere from days to weeks thereafter.
Taking medications like ibuprofen can help relieve a cramp and resting during this period will ease discomfort while going through the process.
If any of the common side effects persist or significantly worsen, it is encouraged to call a physician for assistance. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive bleeding
- Prolonged fever
- Extreme abdominal discomfort
How to Get Plan C Pills
There are several ways people may access abortion pills, depending on their location and local laws.
In-person clinics
Many reproductive health clinics provide medication abortion in person. Patients can meet with a healthcare provider, receive medical guidance, and take the medications either at the clinic or at home. Patients seeking in-clinic abortion services can find compassionate, professional care at our Matteson, IL location.
Telehealth services
Telehealth has expanded access to medication abortion in many areas. Through telehealth abortion care, patients can consult with a healthcare provider online and receive abortion pills by mail when eligible. This option can be especially helpful for people living in areas without nearby clinics.
Medical providers
Certain types of providers can prescribe medication abortions directly, including some primary care providers and reproductive health specialists. When pursuing self-managed abortion, it’s essential to utilize accurate instructions for self-administering the abortion pill and to obtain medications from trusted sources. Your healthcare provider can guide you on whether medication abortion will be appropriate for you based on the age of your pregnancy and your medical history.
What Are Plan B Pills?
There are many ways to confuse Plan B regarding Plan C, yet they are not the same.
Plan B is another name for emergency contraceptives. Emergency contraceptives can be used by women who have had unprotected intercourse to avoid becoming pregnant (unprotected intercourse means that the woman was not protected from pregnancy by a contraceptive method). Emergency contraception works by preventing or delaying ovulation.
Plan B contains the same hormone as the previous example, levonorgestrel, and is now available over-the-counter in many areas without a doctor’s order.
Unlike abortion pills, Plan B does not terminate an existing pregnancy. It works only prior to conception.
How Effective Is Plan B?
Plan B works best when utilized within hours of having unprotected sex.
- Researchers believe it is around 75–89% effective when you take Plan B within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse.
- If you don’t want to wait 72 hours, there is another emergency birth control pill called Ella, which you can take up to five days after unprotected intercourse. For some people, it may be more effective than Plan B.
Keep in mind that the longer you wait after having unprotected sex, the less likely you are to be successful using emergency contraceptive methods.
Plan B Side Effects
Plan B is typically accompanied by mild side effects which last for only a short amount of time.
Commonly reported side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tenderness of the breasts
- Change in the timing of the next menstrual period
For the majority of women using Plan B, most side effects will disappear fairly quickly.
Comparing Plan B and Plan C
| Plan | Description |
|---|---|
| Plan B (Emergency Contraception) | Before the onset of pregnancy through the ovulation process, an emergency contraceptive (also known as a “morning-after pill”) can help prevent pregnancy. Use emergency contraception (EC) within a few days after having unprotected sex; they do not terminate an existing pregnancy. |
| Plan C (Abortion Pills) | A medication abortion (also referred to as a “medical abortion”) is when a prescribed dose of mifepristone is used to induce the end of a pregnancy within the first nine weeks. A medical abortion may be completed with the help of misoprostol as long as the individual took the mifepristone according to the instructions given. |
Choosing between two types of contraception will assist each person in creating an informed decision about their reproductive health.
- Plan A: Use of routine contraceptive methods
- Plan B: Use of emergency contraception after the act of sexual intercourse
- Plan C: A woman continues with an abortion if she is prenatally pregnant
Knowledge of these alternate options will allow you to make educated decisions about your reproductive health.
Getting Guidance from Serenity Choice Health
Serenity Choice Health is among those healthcare providers that provide consultations regarding reproductive healthcare services to patients. Providers that are licensed as healthcare providers will assist patients in determining available options including medication abortion. The healthcare providers that patients receive medication abortion from will also provide the instruction on the proper way to use an abortion pill.
Patients who live in Illinois, Indiana and New York may also be able to consult with licensed healthcare providers in order to help determine if medication abortion is suitable for them. Patients in the Midwest and surrounding states can also learn more about how to access abortion care in Illinois when local services are unavailable.
Receiving assistance from medical professionals can help ensure both the safety of the patient and that the patient receives sufficient assistance throughout the medication abortion.
The Bottom Line
Plan C is safe and effective for ending pregnancy in early stages with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Following an accurate Plan C guide will help assure that the abortion medication is done safely, and that you understand how to use the abortion pills correctly. Those who are self-managing their abortions should acquire correct information about abortion pills and obtain the pills through licensed healthcare providers. If you are considering the options available to you, reach out to your trusted medical practitioner for assistance in determining if Plan C is appropriate for you, and how to begin using this method. You can also schedule an appointment with a licensed provider at Serenity Choice Health to discuss your options in a safe and confidential setting.
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, specializing in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With over 20+ years of experience, he combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care to ensure safe, compassionate, and confidential reproductive healthcare.