The morning after pill is believed to work by preventing ovulation or fertilization. It may also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. Plan B One-Step is taken orally and must be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. If you are already pregnant, Plan B One-Step is of no use (2).

Side effects of Plan B One-Step include changes in period, nausea, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and dizziness. Seek medical attention if you experience lower abdominal pain 3-5 weeks after taking Plan B One-Step, in order to be evaluated for an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy (3).

Plan B One-Step does not prevent HIV infection (AIDS) or sexually transmitted diseases or infections (4).

ella® is a by prescription only emergency contraceptive for use within 5 days of unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. ella should not be used as routine birth control. ella works by preventing or postponing ovulation. It also may prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus (5). Ella does not prevent HIV infections (AIDS) or sexually transmitted diseases or infections. ella should not be taken if you may already be pregnant (6).

Side effects of ella include headache, nausea, abdominal and upper abdominal pain, change in period, fatigue and dizziness (7). Severe lower stomach pain 3-5 weeks after taking ella may indicate an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and should be evaluated immediately (8).

Opportunities for Life is a pregnancy hotline offering peer counseling and resource referrals, however we do not make referrals for abortion services or the morning-after pill. The information on this website is for general education purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.

1. Plan B One-Step website, “Indications and Usage".

   Accessed January 7, 2013

2. Plan B One-Step website, “Mechanism of Action”.

   Accessed January 7, 2013

3. Plan B One-Step website, “Ectopic Pregnancy”.

   Accessed January 7, 2013

4. Plan B One Step website, “Warnings and Precautions”.

   Accessed January 7, 2013

5. ella package insert, “Indications and Uses”.

   Accessed January 7, 2013

6. ella package insert, “Warnings and Precautions”.

   Accessed January 7, 2013

7. ella package insert, “Adverse Reactions”.

   Accessed January 7, 2013

8. ella package insert, “Ectopic Pregnancy”.

   Accessed January 7, 2013

• Heavy Bleeding—Some bleeding after abortion is normal. There is, however, a risk of hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn. When this happens, a woman may go into shock and a blood transfusion may be required.
• Infection—Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection. A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization.
• Incomplete Abortion—Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion. Bleeding and infection may occur. RU486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases.
• Allergic Reaction to Drugs—An allergic reaction to anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack and, in extreme cases, death.
• Tearing of the Cervix—The cervix may be cut or torn by abortion instruments.
• Scarring of the Uterine Lining—Suction tubing, curettes and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining.
• Perforation of the Uterus—The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery, including a hysterectomy, may be required.
• Damage to Internal Organs—When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder.
• Death—In extreme cases, other physical complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death. This complication is very rare and occurs, on average, in less than 20 cases per year.

Other Health Concerns

In addition to the immediate risks of abortion, there are also long-term health issues that may occur.

• An abortion is a life-changing event with significant emotional, and spiritual consequences, including Post-Abortion Syndrome—a condition involving grief, pain and regret following an abortion.
• Scarring or other injury during an abortion may prevent or place at risk future wanted pregnancies.
• The risk of miscarriage is greater for women who abort their first pregnancy.
• There have been several studies that show a significant linkage between abortion and breast cancer.

Opportunities for Life is a pregnancy hotline offering peer counseling and resource referrals, however we do not make referrals for abortion services or the morning-after pill. The information on this website is for general education purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.

Similarly, it’s important to know all the ins and outs of an abortion before deciding to move forward with the procedure. Here is an overview of the types of abortions most commonly practiced in the U.S.

Surgical Procedures:

• Manual Vacuum Aspiration
  This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus. A handheld syringe is attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the fetus is suctioned out.
• Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – the most common procedure
  In this procedure, performed within 6 to 14 weeks after the last menstrual period, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted several hours before the procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction pulls the fetus’ body apart and out of the uterus. Sometimes the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus.
• Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
  This surgical abortion is done within 13 to 24 weeks after the last menstrual period. Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The fetus’ skull is crushed to ease removal.
• Dilation and Extraction (D&X) – partial birth abortion
  This procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the abortionist uses ultrasound to locate the baby’s legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby’s head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed.

Chemical Procedures:

• RU486, Mifepristone
  This procedure is a medical or chemical abortion used for women who are within 30 to 49 days past their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called misprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus.

Opportunities for Life is a pregnancy hotline offering peer counseling and resource referrals, however we do not make referrals for abortion services or the morning-after pill. The information on this website is for general education purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.

Several factors that increase the risk of Post-Abortion Stress include age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and religious beliefs.

Post Abortion Stress Symptoms (PAS):

• Guilt
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Anniversary grief
• Flashbacks of abortion
• Sexual dysfunction
• Relationship problems
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Psychological reactions

Spiritual Considerations

People have different understandings of God. Whatever your beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion to consider. Having an abortion may affect more than just your body and your mind—it may have an impact on your relationship with God. What is God's desire for you in this situation? How does God see your unborn child? These are important questions to consider.

Post-Abortion Syndrome Help

If you have already had an abortion and need support, there are resources that can help you.

Hope After Abortion—Facts, stories, and help for women who are experiencing the guilt and emptiness that come after an abortion.

Rachel's Vineyard—A weekend retreat for women who have post-abortion grief, to connect with others and heal.

Opportunities for Life is a pregnancy hotline offering peer counseling and resource referrals, however we do not make referrals for abortion services or the morning-after pill. The information on this website is for general education purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.