What is plan c birth control

August 1, 2022

With the rise of virtual medicine, you may have a lot of questions about telemedicine, TelAbortion, and access to the abortion pill without having to see a doctor. If you are looking for information about at-home abortions, the abortion pill, and your options, we can help. 

IN-OFFICE VISITS: Your health and safety come first. If you have questions about the FDA’s warning on ordering abortion pills by mail, contact us today. 

>> MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

What is Plan C? 

We are probably all familiar with Plan B, the morning-after pill that is used as an emergency contraceptive. Plan C, however, is a campaign to tell people about abortion pills, what they are, and how they’re used. If you are pregnant and looking for abortion information, take the time you need to make an informed, safe, and healthy decision.

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

While you can order abortion pills online, there are inherent risks involved. 

That’s why no matter how convenient zoom meetings and online ordering are, we recommend an in-person medical consultation and an ultrasound before you decide. Your health and safety are our priority. You will also be better prepared and informed on what can happen and who to contact if an emergency arises. 

The abortion pill (also known as a medication, medical or chemical abortion) isn’t an option if you:

• Are too far along in your pregnancy. Taking abortion pills when you are more than 10 weeks can be dangerous. Occasionally, a medical abortion is not recommended after seven weeks of pregnancy.
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD).
• Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
• Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney, or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
• Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications.
• Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor or don’t have access to emergency care.
• Have an allergy to the medications used.

At your consultation, you can talk to a nurse about your medical history and explore all your options.

What do I need to know about the abortion pill? How much does it cost?

The abortion pill is actually two drugs and it’s taken in two separate doses. It is FDA-approved up to 70 days (10 weeks) after your last menstrual period (LMP). 

Because the first drug is what begins the process of expelling the pregnancy, reversal is possible if action is taken after the first dose. The abortion pill can cost anywhere between $250-$500.

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

How does the abortion pill work? What else do I need to know?

It works by inducing contractions to expel the contents of your uterus, putting your body into early labor. Some side effects include heavy bleeding, cramps, contractions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fever, and infections.

In some cases, abortion pills, even if taken correctly, may not work. If you have recently taken the abortion pill and are still pregnant, come see us. 

Do I need an ultrasound before taking abortion pills or an abortion procedure?

An ultrasound is the only method that can 100% confirm your pregnancy, determine viability and how far along you are. Abortion costs and types depend on gestation and several other factors.

The risks, complications, and need for medical attention increase as the pregnancy advances. An ultrasound can also rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Abortions pills do not work if the pregnancy is outside of the uterus and taking them can be life-threatening. 

>> MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Your Next Steps

Confirm your pregnancy, get the facts, and explore all your pregnancy options in a safe, confidential environment. All our services are offered at no cost to you. We do not financially benefit from any decision you make and we do not perform or refer for abortion, TelAbortions, or the abortion pill. 

Contact us to learn more.

References: 

https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-pill/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information

Posted at 16:32h in Uncategorized by rm_support

When dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, it’s common to be scared and unsure of the future. Many women start to wonder about pregnancy options and turn to the Internet for help. While doing so, you may see people talking about a new pregnancy option called Plan C. Plan C is a fairly new and emerging option for women seeking the abortion pill. However, it’s not as simple or safe as it seems. We discuss what exactly Plan C is and what you should be aware of in today’s blog. What Is Plan C?

Typically a medical (or non-surgical) abortion is done after meeting with your doctor, or at an abortion clinic under close supervision. During these meetings, a health professional performs a physical examination and ultrasound to confirm how far along in your pregnancy you are. This is important, as it is necessary to know how far along you are to determine whether a medical abortion is possible, and what the potential risks might be.

Plan C is a new emerging platform that allows women to order the pills necessary for a medical abortion online. This allows you to administer it to yourself, in your own home, without meeting with any medical professionals, or going through a doctor.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

When an abortion is performed using medication in the form of a pill, it’s referred to as a medical (or chemical) abortion. Typically the process requires taking two different medications, Mifepristone (or RU-486) and Misoprostol. Mifepristone will block the hormone progesterone, which is essential for sustaining the pregnancy and growing the embryo. Misoprostol is taken within the next day or two and will cause contractions that will expel the embryo. Both of these medications are intended to be prescribed and their administration supervised by a doctor, to reduce medical risks and possible complications.

Is Plan C Legal in All States and if Not, Can I Get in Trouble?

Every state has varying laws when it comes to abortion, which is another reason why talking to your doctor is important when considering an abortion. The website for Plan C admits that using their services can have legal consequences, as it is currently illegal in the U.S. to obtain the abortion pill over the Internet without going through the proper medical channels. The website also explains that authorities in certain states can use their laws to prosecute someone who is using Plan C. This is why it is essential to consult with a local physician or go to a nearby pregnancy center for advice.

When Can You Get A Medical Abortion?

The Mayo Clinic states that a medical abortion is NOT an option under the following conditions:

• If you are seven to nine weeks past your last period
• In the case that you have a suspected pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
• If you have an Intrauterine Device (IUD) in place
• In the case that you take a blood thinner or certain steroid medication
• If you have certain medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder, uncontrolled seizure disorder, lung disease, or certain heart or blood vessel diseases

What are the Risks?

While some risks of medical abortions have been verified, there are still some unknowns. For example, we do not know the lasting impact on a baby who survives the procedure. Based on the information provided by the FDA, the known risks are:

• The possibility of the abortion not occurring
• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever

What Does the FDA Say About Medical Abortions?

The FDA requires medical abortions to be carried out by certified medical professionals who meet FDA requirements, such as being qualified to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy and provide surgical intervention, if needed. The FDA also states that receiving Mifepristone outside of a healthcare setting is illegal.

In Conclusion

While Plan C at first may appear to be a convenient option, it is dangerous, both legally and medically. Little is known about the side effects on the baby if the medical abortion fails. Also, there is no way for you to verify whether you have received the proper medication. In addition, there is an inherent risk any time you undergo a medical procedure without the supervision of a medical professional.

It is important to go through the proper channels. If you suspect you are pregnant, it is important to medically confirm your pregnancy through your own doctor’s office or through an in-person visit to a local clinic or pregnancy center. There, you can discuss your unique situation with the staff, and better understand your pregnancy options. If you have any questions or want to confirm your pregnancy, Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center is here to help. For free and confidential help today, text 201-677-2394.