Birth Control, You Say? Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C

Plan A – Effective Birth Control

Plan B (also known as Plan B Step One, the morning after pill, and several other names) – A form of birth control to be taken after unprotected penis-in-vagina sex to prevent pregnancy. The active drug is levonorgestrel (a hormone used in some types of  birth control) that functions by blocking ovulation. No ovulation (egg released) means – no pregnancy. In case you are wondering, it takes both an egg and sperm uniting for pregnancy to happen. 

Plan C – abortion pills or medication abortion.  

How does Plan C work?  How much does it cost?

The first pill in a chemical abortion (Plan C), mifepristone, binds to receptor sites and blocks the hormone progesterone which is needed to sustain a pregnancy.   This first dose was originally prescribed as being taken at a medical clinic under a medical provider’s supervision.  With the competitive nature of e-commerce, over 70 online sites exist to distribute (‘sell’) these pills without medical supervision.  

The second pill of the process, misoprostol, induces contractions so that the uterine contents (fetus) are expelled. If you are pregnant, you have a right to know the truth about the process, the rate of complications, the failure rate and how it could affect your reproductive future and mental health.   

It is also advisable to know about the Black Box warnings for Mifeprex (Mifepristone) and misoprostol when used without close medical supervision.

It is available for most people who are 4-10 weeks pregnant but is not approved beyond 70 days past your last period.   Because misoprostol begins the process of expelling the pregnancy, abortion pill reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose.  The estimated cost of abortion pills typically range from $500-800.

Make an appointment today to learn about the types of abortion by trimester, determine how far along you are, and talk to our professional medical staff about your pregnancy options. 

Can I get an abortion without seeing a doctor?  Are at-home abortions safe?

Abortion laws vary by state and several states have providers offering Telehealth Abortion. Additionally, over 70 websites promise “safe, convenient, at-home abortions”   In Wisconsin law, Wisconisn Statute 253.10(3) requires the abortion provider to explain certain things to you at least 24 hours before the procedure.   

The FDA Mifepristone drug information contains this warning: “Do Not Buy Mifeprex Over the Internet.  You should not buy Mifeprex over the Internet because you will bypass important safeguards designed to protect your health.  Mifeprex has special safety restrictions on how it is distributed to the public.  Also, drugs purchased from foreign Internet sources are not the FDA-approved versions of the drugs, and they are not subject to FDA-regulated manufacturing controls or FDA inspection of manufacturing facilities”. 

 The recommendation for women to take the pill at the first sign of a missed period is reckless and dangerous.  An incorrect guess about the baby’s gestational age, an undetected ectopic pregnancy that could rupture causing life-threatening hemorrhages, and a RH negative woman not receiving prophylactic Rhogam could lead to complications with future pregnancies.   For the safety of women in Wisconsin, the law also requires an ultrasound by the abortion provider before the abortion begins. 

What if I change my mind? Can I reverse abortion?

A woman also needs to know that she always has choice to change her mind and that 68% of abortion pill reversals are successful if she decides to continue the pregnancy after the first pill.   Yes, reversal is possible if you have only taken the first pill. The process is safe, and the medical staff at Anchor of Hope is here to help. 

Women are strong, brave, and capable of far more that they think.   When equipped with truth, and given support and safety, we trust women to make good, informed choices about their bodies and their future.

Confirm your pregnancy, get the facts, and explore all your future options with us at Anchor of Hope.   While we do not refer for abortion, our services are offered at no cost to you and we do not financially benefit from any decision you make.  We believe women deserve to take time to hear the truth when faced with an unexpected pregnancy.