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Emergency contraception and abortion, 5 frequently asked questions

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In this blog, we’ll answer five frequently asked questions about emergency contraception and abortion. Whether you are looking for clarity for yourself or to help someone else, this information can make a real difference. 

Access to accurate information is key to protecting our health and exercising our rights.

1. Is the morning-after pill the same as a safe abortion?

No. The morning-after pill is also known as emergency contraception (EC) or post-coital hormonal contraception, a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It must be taken as soon as possible, up to 3 days later as maximum time.

These pills use hormones to:1

  • Delay or prevent ovulation. It prevents or delays ovulation if taken before ovulation and inhibits the pre-ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), preventing follicular development and maturation and/or egg release.
  • Preventing sperm from entering. Increases the pH of uterine fluid, immobilizing sperm and increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from entering the uterine cavity.

Now that we understand how they work, it is important to emphasize that they are only helpful if you are trying to avoid pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, the hormones in the pill have no effect on the embryo and, therefore, will not prevent its continued development or cause an abortion.1

Abortion pills, which are different, are used to end a pregnancy. At Telefem, we can connect you with medical professionals to guide you through that process if needed.

2. If I’m already pregnant, will emergency contraception cause an abortion?


No. Emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy. If taken while already pregnant, the morning-after pill will not affect the developing embryo. Studies show that exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives early in pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects.2

3. The pill didn’t work. How soon can I have a safe abortion?


Emergency contraception might fail for several reasons:
• Ovulation already occurred before taking the pill.
• It was taken too late (effectiveness drops over time; it’s only effective up to 72 hours after sex).
• Higher body weight (some studies show reduced efficacy in people with a BMI over 30).

If your period doesn’t arrive as expected, take a pregnancy test. If it’s positive and you do not plan to continue the pregnancy, you can seek safe abortion care as soon as your missed period is confirmed.

Telefem is a nonprofit that connects you with healthcare professionals who can support you throughout this process.

4. How can I tell the difference between emergency contraception and abortion pills?

The active ingredients are the key difference:1,3

  1. Ulipristal acetate (UPA): Single-dose emergency contraceptive.
  2. Levonorgestrel (LNG): Also taken as a single dose.
  3. Yuzpe method or combined oral contraceptives: Involves two doses of a combination of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (LNG or dl-norgestrel).

As for abortion pills, the medications used are mifepristone and misoprostol. These can be used together in a combined regimen, or misoprostol can be used alone, though the combination tends to be more effective.

If you are considering an at-home abortion, Telefem can connect you with experts and provide you with a safe abortion kit.

5. Can I have a safe abortion if I’ve taken the morning-after pill?

Absolutely. Taking emergency contraception or any other contraceptive does not prevent you from terminating the pregnancy.

Even if you’ve had one or more abortions in the past, you can still use emergency contraception if needed. Fertility can return quickly after a safe abortion.4 However, emergency contraception is not recommended for regular use because it may cause side effects like menstrual irregularities. Also, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1

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Keeping in touch with trained professionals makes all the difference. That’s why Telefem is here — to guide and support you.  With Telefem, you’ll be safe.

Send us a WhatsApp today — we’re ready to help you.

* This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

References:

  1. Gobierno de México, Secretaría de salud y Centro Nacional de equidad de Género y salud reproductiva.  Utilización de la anticoncepción de emergencia. México. [Visit February 2025]. [Internet]. Available at: https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/863948/Anticoncepcion_Emergencia.pdf
  2. Trumper  E. 2007. Anticoncepción hormonal de emergencia. Guía de procedimientos para profesionales de la salud. Métodos anticonceptivos. [Visit February 2025]. [Internet]. Available at: https://iah.msal.gov.ar/doc/Documento103.pdf
  3. Organización Mundial de la Salud. 2021. Anticoncepción de urgencia. [Visit February 2025]. [Internet]. Available at: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/emergency-contraception
  4. Ministerio de salud. 2010. Guía para el mejoramiento de la atención post-aborto. República de Argentina. [Visit February 2025]. [Internet]. Available at: https://www.fasgo.org.ar/archivos/ComSexRep/postaborto.pdf