--- title: "Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference?" description: Learn the key differences between Plan B and Plan C. Get clear, reliable information to make informed choices with Northwoods Pregnancy Center. --- [Skip to Content](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/helpful-advice/planb-planc#main-content) - [Call Us | (218) 444-3035](tel:+12184443035) - [Text Us 24/7 | (218) 304-9591](sms:+12183049591) [![NPC Logo](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/hubfs/NPC%20Logo.png)](https://northwoodspregnancy.com) - [HOME](https://northwoodspregnancy.com) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [What to Expect](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/what-to-expect) - [About Abortion](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/about-abortion) - [About the Abortion Pill](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/abortion-pill-faqs) - [About Pregnancy](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/about-pregnancy) - [About STI/STDs](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/about-sti) - Show submenu for SERVICES SERVICES - [Text With Our Nurses](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/24/7-nurse-chat) - [Considering Abortion?](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/abortion-info) - [Free Pregnancy Testing](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/free-pregnancy-tests) - [Free Ultrasounds](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/free-ultrasound) - [STD Testing](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/std-sti-testing) - [Prenatal & Parenting Support](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/prenatal-parenting-support) - [Abortion Pill Reversal](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/abortion-pill-reversal) - [Post Abortion Support](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/after-abortion-recovery) - [Miscarriage Support](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/miscarriage-support) - [HELPFUL ADVICE](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/helpful-advice) [Make Appointment](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/make-appointment) [HOME](https://northwoodspregnancy.com) Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [What to Expect](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/what-to-expect) [About Abortion](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/about-abortion) [About the Abortion Pill](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/abortion-pill-faqs) [About Pregnancy](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/about-pregnancy) [About STI/STDs](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/about-sti) Show submenu for SERVICES SERVICES [Text With Our Nurses](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/24/7-nurse-chat) [Considering Abortion?](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/abortion-info) [Free Pregnancy Testing](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/free-pregnancy-tests) [Free Ultrasounds](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/free-ultrasound) [STD Testing](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/std-sti-testing) [Prenatal & Parenting Support](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/prenatal-parenting-support) [Abortion Pill Reversal](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/abortion-pill-reversal) [Post Abortion Support](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/after-abortion-recovery) [Miscarriage Support](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/miscarriage-support) [HELPFUL ADVICE](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/helpful-advice) [Make Appointment](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/make-appointment) # Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference? **Plan B. Plan C. The abortion pill.** If you're worried about an unexpected pregnancy, all the names can get confusing fast. But Plan B and Plan C are **two different medications used at different points.** Here's the simplest difference: - Plan B is an emergency contraception intended to help prevent pregnancy. - Plan C is a term commonly used for medication intended to end an existing pregnancy.   > Not sure if you could already be pregnant? Northwoods Pregnancy Center offers [free pregnancy confirmation services](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/free-pregnancy-tests) in Bemidji, MN. [Text our nurses 24/7 at (218) 304-9591](sms:+12183049591) with questions.   ## What Is Plan B? Plan B is a type of emergency contraception intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after sex. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation. **Timing matters.** Plan B is intended to be taken as soon as possible, within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and is more effective before ovulation has occurred. **Plan B is not the same medication as the abortion pill. However, there is disagreement about whether it could have similar effects after fertilization.** Some medical research suggests that if an egg is still released and fertilized, Plan B could negatively affect the fertilized egg’s ability to attach to the uterus and continue developing.   > That distinction may matter to you, particularly if you have **personal concerns about when human life begins.**   If you're unsure about taking Plan B, [text our nurses for free at (218) 304-9591](sms:+12183049591). We can help you better understand how it works, potential side effects and risks, and what questions you may want to ask before deciding what you're comfortable with.   ## What Is Plan C? **Plan C is a term commonly used to describe medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill.** Medication abortion is intended to **end an existing pregnancy.** It typically involves two medications: - **Mifepristone** blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. - **Misoprostol** causes the uterus to contract and empty. The FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is approved for an intrauterine pregnancy through **10 weeks, or 70 days, from the first day of the last menstrual period.** That detail makes it important to have confirmation on how far along your pregnancy really is before moving forward.   ## Get Personalized Answers Before Taking Plan B or Plan C General information online can explain what Plan B and Plan C are. **What the internet can't tell you is what applies to *your* situation.** If you're considering Plan B, you may have questions about when you ovulated, where you are in your cycle, how Plan B works, or whether you could already be pregnant. If you're considering Plan C, you may have questions about how far along you are and what abortion information applies to your pregnancy. **You don't have to make a decision before talking with us.** Our team can answer your questions, help you understand the information available, and talk through what may apply to your circumstances.   > **Prefer to Text?** Talk with our nurses 24/7 at [(218) 304-9591](sms:+12183049591) or [make a free appointment](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/make-appointment).     ###### **Sources** 1. American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG). *Embryocidal Potential of Modern Contraceptives: AAPLOG Committee Opinion No. 7.* 2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. *Plan B One-Step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) Information.* 3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. *Mifepristone Information.* 4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. *Emergency Contraception.* 5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. *Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.* **Here For You** Northwoods Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion or birth control. The information we share is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.   \*Image Disclaimer: Some images feature models or have been digitally enhanced. They're simply here to help tell our story and don't represent anyone's personal or medical experience. **Quick Links** - [Contact Us](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/contact) - [For Donors](https://friendsofnpc.com/) - [Make Appointment](https://northwoodspregnancy.com/make-appointment) **Visit Us** 2300 Bemidji Ave N. 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