What Is Plan C?
What Is Plan C?
You may have heard the phrase Plan C. It’s not an actual pill—it’s a nickname people use when talking about taking abortion pills at home to end an unexpected pregnancy.1, 2
Plan C typically refers to two medications used together to end a pregnancy, usually within the first 10 weeks.2 This is very different from Plan B, which is taken to try to prevent pregnancy.
Some describe this as a “self-managed abortion,” but taking these medications without medical evaluation can come with serious health risks.2, 3
What Should I Know About Plan C?
Plan C may sound simple and private, but there are important medical considerations:
- The FDA has approved medication abortion only through 10 weeks of pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period.2
- It is important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy (when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus). This condition can be life-threatening, and abortion medications will not treat it.2, 3
- The process involves cramping and bleeding, which can be heavy.2, 3
- Complications may require follow-up medical care or emergency treatment.2, 3
Online sources and social media may not provide full medical guidance. You deserve accurate information and proper medical care before making a decision.
Possible Risks of Medication Abortion include:2, 3
- Heavy bleeding
- Incomplete abortion requiring additional treatment or procedure
- Infection
- Fever
- Ongoing abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Complications if taken beyond the recommended timeframe
You Deserve Real Support
You don’t need to go through this alone. Before taking any medication, speak with a qualified medical professional who can evaluate your health and provide accurate information.
Pregnancy Help 4 U is here to provide pregnancy confirmation, education, and compassionate support with no pressure or judgment.
Before taking the abortion pill, connect with Pregnancy Help 4 U.
Schedule an appointment today or Call/Text 817-753-6222.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Abortion Surveillance—United States, 2021. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2023;72(SS-X):1-40. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7209a1.htm
- National Institutes of Health. MedlinePlus. Abortion – medical. Updated 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007382.htm
- Cleveland Clinic. Medical abortion: what it is, pain, risks & recovery. Updated 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
Abortion is currently banned in the state of Texas except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman, and in cases where the pregnancy poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function.
This does not affect care for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancies. A woman who obtains an abortion cannot be held criminally or civilly liable. It is illegal to ship abortion inducing drugs into the state of Texas. The FDA does not recommend buying the abortion pill online as it may bypass important safeguards.