Emergency Contraception, also known as Plan B and the Morning After Pill, prevents a woman from becoming pregnant after she has had unprotected vaginal intercourse. According to the FDA, Plan B or the Morning-After Pill are approximately 80% effective if used within 72 hours of unprotected sex. However, the sooner it is taken, the more effective it is in protecting against pregnancy.
Plan B or the Morning-After Pill should not be confused with the Abortion Pill (also known as RU-486, mifepristone, and Mifeprex®) which is used between 5 and 10 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. Because Plan B or the Morning-After Pill are used prior to the earliest time of implantation, they are considered to be forms of contraception and NOT methods of abortion.
Plan B or the Morning-After Pill should only be used very occasionally in the event of the failure of other methods of contraception. It is NOT suggested as a method of regular birth control.
Plan B or the Morning-After Pill are considered very safe and is available in the U.S. to women 18 years or older without at prescription at most pharmacies. If you prefer, please refer to our “Find a Doctor” section to find a doctor who provides Plan B or the Morning-After Pill.
