08/24/2026
Calling emergency contraception pills (commonly known as Plan B or the morning after pill) an “abortifacient” isn’t medically accurate—and misinformation about how emergency contraception works can create unnecessary fear and barriers to care.
💊 Emergency contraception pills prevent pregnancy primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. No egg released = no egg available to be fertilized.
💊 Emergency contraception pills do NOT end an existing pregnancy. If a pregnancy has already occurred, emergency contraception pills will not terminate it or affect it.
💊 Evidence does NOT support the claim that Plan B prevents implantation. In 2022, the FDA updated labeling and removed language suggesting it might prevent implantation after reviewing the available scientific evidence.
💊 The FDA concluded that the evidence supports Plan B acting before ovulation, with no direct effect on fertilization or implantation.
💊 Emergency contraception and medication abortion are different medications used for different purposes. Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy. Medication abortion ends an existing pregnancy.
Sources: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA); American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
