--- title: "Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference?" description: "Plan B vs Plan C: What’s the difference? Learn how each works & get free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and abortion information in Las Cruces." image: https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Empowering%20Healthcare%20Consultation%20with%20Pregnancy%20Test%20and%20Ultrasound.png --- [Skip to Content](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/planb-planc#main-content) - [![Call Icon](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/top%20header%20-%20call.svg) Call | **(575) 522-8378**](tel:+15755228378) - [![Text Icon](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/top%20header%20-%20text.svg) Text | **(575) 619-7050**](sms:15756197050) [![Main Logo - Mixed Dark](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Main%20Logo%20-%20Mixed%20Dark.svg)](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org) - [Home](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [First Appointment Expectations](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/what-to-expect) - [About Abortion](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs) - [About Pregnancy](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/pregnancy-faqs) - [About STDs](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/about-stds) - [About The Abortion Pill](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill-faqs) - Show submenu for Services Services - [Text Our Nurses](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/text-our-nurses) - [Considering Abortion?](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion) - [Pregnancy Tests](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-test) - [Ultrasounds](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-ultrasounds) - [STD Testing](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/std-testing) - [Parenting Support](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/parenting-classes-resources) - [Helpful Advice](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog) - [Support Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/support) [Make Appointment](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/make-appointment) [Home](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org) Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [First Appointment Expectations](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/what-to-expect) [About Abortion](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-faqs) [About Pregnancy](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/pregnancy-faqs) [About STDs](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/about-stds) [About The Abortion Pill](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion-pill-faqs) Show submenu for Services Services [Text Our Nurses](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/text-our-nurses) [Considering Abortion?](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/abortion) [Pregnancy Tests](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-test) [Ultrasounds](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-ultrasounds) [STD Testing](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/std-testing) [Parenting Support](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/parenting-classes-resources) [Helpful Advice](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog) [Support Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/support) [Make Appointment](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/make-appointment) # Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference? ![Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference?](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Empowering%20Healthcare%20Consultation%20with%20Pregnancy%20Test%20and%20Ultrasound.png) **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? High Desert Women's Center offers [free pregnancy confirmation services](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/free-pregnancy-test) in Las Cruces, NM. [Text our nurses 24/7 at (575) 619-7050](sms:+15756197050) 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 (575) 619-7050](sms:+15756197050). 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 [(575) 619-7050](sms:+15756197050) or [make a free appointment](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/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.* ![FlowerSeal3](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/FlowerSeal3.svg)   **Get In Touch** - [Contact Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/contact) - [Support Us](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/support) - [(575) 619-7050](tel:+15756197050) **Visit Us** 3201 S. Main St. Suite C Las Cruces, NM 88005 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Turning+Point+of+Las+Cruces/@32.2767021,-106.766967,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x86de17e316f68b57:0x50326f865a5e365f!8m2!3d32.2767021!4d-106.766967!16s%2Fg%2F1tgdjfkw?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIwMy4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3M0gBUAM%3D)   **Hours** Monday - Friday: 9am-3pm **Here For You** High Desert Women's Center does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations. What we do offer is the services required up front before making a pregnancy decision at no cost.   [MAKE APPOINTMENT](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/make-appointment)   \*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. © 2026 High Desert Women's Center. All Rights Reserved. - [Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy](https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "High Desert Women's Center", "url" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/author/high-desert-womens-center" }, "dateModified" : "2026-11-03T21:17:19.388Z", "datePublished" : "2026-11-03T21:17:19.000Z", "headline" : "Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference?", "image" : [ "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Empowering%20Healthcare%20Consultation%20with%20Pregnancy%20Test%20and%20Ultrasound.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/planb-planc", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/hubfs/Main%20Logo%20-%20Mixed%20Dark-1.svg" }, "name" : "High Desert NM" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c#webpage", "@type" : "MedicalWebPage", "about" : [ { "@type" : "Drug", "alternateName" : [ "Plan B", "Emergency Contraception", "Morning-After Pill" ], "name" : "Levonorgestrel" }, { "@type" : "MedicalProcedure", "alternateName" : [ "Plan C", "Abortion Pill", "Medical Abortion" ], "name" : "Medication Abortion" }, { "@type" : "Drug", "name" : "Mifepristone" }, { "@type" : "Drug", "name" : "Misoprostol" }, { "@type" : "MedicalTest", "name" : "Pregnancy Test" }, { "@type" : "MedicalTest", "name" : "Limited First-Trimester Ultrasound" }, { "@type" : "MedicalCondition", "name" : "Ectopic Pregnancy" } ], "breadcrumb" : { "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c#breadcrumb" }, "description" : "Learn the difference between Plan B emergency contraception and Plan C medication abortion, how timing matters, and when pregnancy testing, ultrasound and abortion information may help.", "isPartOf" : { "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/#website" }, "mainEntity" : { "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c#article" }, "name" : "Plan B vs. Plan C: What's The Difference?", "url" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c#article", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "about" : [ { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Plan B vs Plan C" }, { "@type" : "Drug", "alternateName" : "Plan B", "name" : "Levonorgestrel" }, { "@type" : "MedicalProcedure", "alternateName" : [ "Plan C", "Abortion Pill", "Medical Abortion" ], "name" : "Medication Abortion" }, { "@type" : "Drug", "name" : "Mifepristone" }, { "@type" : "Drug", "name" : "Misoprostol" }, { "@type" : "MedicalTest", "name" : "Pregnancy Test" }, { "@type" : "MedicalTest", "name" : "Limited First-Trimester Ultrasound" }, { "@type" : "MedicalCondition", "name" : "Ectopic Pregnancy" }, { "@type" : "Service", "name" : "Abortion Options Education" } ], "alternativeHeadline" : "Plan B vs Plan C: Emergency Contraception vs the Abortion Pill", "articleSection" : [ "Plan B", "Plan C", "Emergency Contraception", "Abortion Pill", "Medication Abortion", "Abortion Information" ], "author" : { "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/#organization" }, "description" : "Understand how Plan B differs from Plan C, when each may apply, and why pregnancy testing, ultrasound and personalized abortion information can matter if you're considering the abortion pill.", "headline" : "Plan B vs. Plan C: What's The Difference?", "inLanguage" : "en-US", "keywords" : [ "Plan B vs Plan C", "Plan B and Plan C difference", "what is Plan B", "what is Plan C", "is Plan C the abortion pill", "Plan B vs abortion pill", "Plan C abortion pill", "emergency contraception vs abortion pill", "morning after pill vs abortion pill", "abortion pill", "medication abortion", "medical abortion", "mifepristone", "misoprostol", "pregnancy test before abortion", "ultrasound before abortion", "ultrasound before abortion pill", "ectopic pregnancy abortion pill", "abortion information Las Cruces", "abortion pill Las Cruces", "abortion options Las Cruces", "pregnancy test Las Cruces", "free ultrasound Las Cruces" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c#webpage" }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/#organization" }, "url" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://highdesertwomenscenter.org/blog/plan-b-vs-plan-c#faq", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Plan B is emergency contraception intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It contains levonorgestrel and primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation." }, "name" : "What is Plan B?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Plan C is a term commonly used for medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill. Medication abortion typically involves mifepristone and misoprostol." }, "name" : "What is Plan C?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Plan B is emergency contraception intended to help prevent pregnancy. Plan C refers to medication used to end an existing pregnancy." }, "name" : "What is the difference between Plan B and Plan C?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "No. Plan B is emergency contraception and does not end an existing pregnancy." }, "name" : "Does Plan B end an existing pregnancy?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Plan B is labeled for use within 72 hours after unprotected sex and works best when taken as soon as possible." }, "name" : "How soon should Plan B be taken?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. Plan C is a term commonly used for medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill." }, "name" : "Is Plan C the abortion pill?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Pregnancy testing can confirm whether pregnancy hormone is present. 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