What is the Plan C Pill?

When women are considering abortion as one possible option for an unexpected or unexpectedly difficult pregnancy, there are so many terms floating around that it becomes difficult to know what those terms mean. One of those terms is the “Plan C” Pill. So just what IS the Plan C Pill?

Since receiving FDA approval in 2000, there has been a surge in abortion medication access in the United States. This increase is due in part to the release of an on-demand abortion pill delivery system, recently termed “Plan C.” In place of in-person office or clinic visits, abortion medications are sent through a mail delivery system or for pharmacy pick-up after the woman receives a telehealth consultation from the abortion pill provider. 

The convenience of being prescribed Plan C without seeing a physician or having an ultrasound may sound tempting, but there are several reasons why it is in a woman’s best interest to take these steps first.

Plan C includes the use of the abortion medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, and it is important that a woman is seen by her physician to discuss the use and effects of these medications.  Further, when considering a chemical abortion, a woman needs to have prior confirmation that her pregnancy is in the uterus (not ectopic), the fetus has a viable heartbeat, and the estimated gestational age (EGA) of her pregnancy. It is highly important to confirm the EGA because there is a limited time frame in which the Plan C abortion pill method may be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. 

Often, a woman is unsure of the date of her last menstrual period. An ultrasound provides accurate dating information based on obtained measurements, as well as determining the viability and location (uterine vs. ectopic) of the pregnancy. Considering the safety and well-being of the woman, having an ultrasound prior to any abortion procedure (medical or surgical) ensures preexisting health conditions do not contraindicate having an abortion. 

Lastly, complications can occur if a woman has an active sexually transmitted infection (STI) which remains untreated. A woman (and her partner) should be encouraged to have STI testing done to confirm if there is an active infection and to seek treatment promptly, if positive for an STI. 

At AbbaCare Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer information on all your pregnancy options. You will visit with a registered nurse as well as a client advocate who can answer all your questions and make sure you have all the information you need about the very important decision ahead of you. All our services are free and confidential, and we do not benefit from any choice you make.

Call 540.665.9660 in Winchester, VA or 304.726.6582 in Martinsburg, WV or click here to email us. Not in our area? Click here to find a free pregnancy center near you.