Plan C: How it Works, Side Effects, and More

Jan 17, 2024

Woman wondering, "What is Plan C?"

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you might be considering Plan C. It’s important to get all of the facts, so you can make a fully informed decision! The compassionate staff at Life Choice is here to answer all of your questions, so you can make a fully informed and empowered decision. 

Today, we’re exploring Plan C—including how it works and if it’s safe, legal, and right for you! Keep reading to learn more.

Is Plan C the Same as the Abortion Pill?

Plan C is another name for the abortion pill. It’s also referred to as medication abortion.

Is Plan C Legal in Kentucky?

Plan C can only be taken up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days since the first day of your last menstrual period)[1]. However, abortion is currently illegal in Kentucky, though exceptions can be made to save the life of the mother[2]. In that case, a prescription from a licensed physician is needed to take it[3]. 

If you’re considering traveling out of state to take Plan C, we strongly recommend receiving an ultrasound beforehand! An ultrasound will determine how far along you are and if you are at risk for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy—neither of which are treated by Plan C. 

Can I Order Plan C Online? 

The FDA warns against ordering Plan C online. Many online providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not be safe to take[4]. They could be expired, fake, the incorrect dosage, or even laced with harmful substances. Plan C is not available via telehealth either. 

What are the Side Effects of Plan C? 

After taking Plan C, you may experience[5]:

  • Spotting or bleeding that can last up to a month
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea and digestive pain
  • Chills
  • Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)
  • Fever

These side effects are fairly common after a medication abortion. However, you may experience severe side effects that require medical care, such as:

  • Fever that lasts longer than 24 hours[5]
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge[5]
  • Heavy bleeding or hemorrhaging (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)[5]
  • Severe back or abdominal pain[5]
  • Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical abortion to treat)[5]
  • Infection[5]
  • Severe allergic reaction[6]

If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above, contact a medical professional right away to receive treatment.

Plan C Information in Russellville, KY

We understand—pregnancy wasn’t part of your plan. Don’t make a decision out of fear! Instead, speak to a client advocate at Life Choice! Our compassionate team is here to answer all of your questions, help you explore your pregnancy options, and create a plan you can be confident in! 

Give us a call at (270) 717-5433, send a text to (270) 883-2464, or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Schedule An Appointment

Please be aware that Life Choice does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

  1. FDA. (2021, December 6). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
  2. Commonwealth of Kentucky Office of the Attorney General. (2022, June 24). Human Life Protection Act. Attorney General Daniel Cameron. Retrieved from https://www.ag.ky.gov/Press%20Release%20Attachments/Human%20Life%20Protection%20Act%20Advisory.pdf  
  3. Close, H. (2023, January 6). FDA expands availability of abortion-inducing medication. Kentucky Health News. https://cidev.uky.edu/kentuckyhealthnews/2023/01/06/fda-expands-availability-of-abortion-inducing-medication/
  4. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, January 24). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
  5. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
  6. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020