--- title: "Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference?" description: Learn the key differences between Plan B and Plan C – with Branches Family and Pregnancy Center. image: https://www.branchespfrc.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Empowering%20Healthcare%20Consultation%20with%20Pregnancy%20Test%20and%20Ultrasound.png --- [Skip to Content](https://www.branchespfrc.org/helpful-advice/planb-planc#main-content) - [Call or Text 24/7 | (316) 975-0069](tel:%20+13169750069) [![Branches - Full Color](https://www.branchespfrc.org/hubfs/Branches%20-%20Full%20Color.png)](https://www.branchespfrc.org) - Show submenu for Services Services - [Text Our Nurses](https://www.branchespfrc.org/nurse-chat) - [Testing & Ultrasounds](https://www.branchespfrc.org/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds) - [Pre-Abortion Assessment](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion) - [Abortion Pill Reversal](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-pill-reversal) - [Parenting Services](https://www.branchespfrc.org/parenting-classes-resources) - [Counseling Services](https://www.branchespfrc.org/peer-counseling-services) - Show submenu for FAQs FAQs - [First Appointment Expectations](https://www.branchespfrc.org/what-to-expect) - [About Pregnancy](https://www.branchespfrc.org/pregnancy-faqs) - [About Abortion](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-faqs) - [About the Abortion Pill](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-pill-faqs) - [About STI/STDs](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-pill-faqs) - [Resources](https://www.branchespfrc.org/resources) - [Helpful Advice](https://www.branchespfrc.org/helpful-advice) - [Español](https://www.branchespfrc.org/apoyo-embarazo) [Make Appointment](https://www.branchespfrc.org/make-appointment) Show submenu for Services Services [Text Our Nurses](https://www.branchespfrc.org/nurse-chat) [Testing & Ultrasounds](https://www.branchespfrc.org/free-pregnancy-testing-ultrasounds) [Pre-Abortion Assessment](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion) [Abortion Pill Reversal](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-pill-reversal) [Parenting Services](https://www.branchespfrc.org/parenting-classes-resources) [Counseling Services](https://www.branchespfrc.org/peer-counseling-services) Show submenu for FAQs FAQs [First Appointment Expectations](https://www.branchespfrc.org/what-to-expect) [About Pregnancy](https://www.branchespfrc.org/pregnancy-faqs) [About Abortion](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-faqs) [About the Abortion Pill](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-pill-faqs) [About STI/STDs](https://www.branchespfrc.org/abortion-pill-faqs) [Resources](https://www.branchespfrc.org/resources) [Helpful Advice](https://www.branchespfrc.org/helpful-advice) [Español](https://www.branchespfrc.org/apoyo-embarazo) [Make Appointment](https://www.branchespfrc.org/make-appointment) # Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference? ![Plan B vs. Plan C: What's the Difference?](https://www.branchespfrc.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Empowering%20Healthcare%20Consultation%20with%20Pregnancy%20Test%20and%20Ultrasound.png) When you're worried about an unexpected pregnancy, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the names and terms you see online. At first glance, they can sound like different versions of the same thing. *But they're not.* Understanding the differences can help you make informed decisions about your health and know what options are available to you. You deserve clear information, not confusing headlines or social media posts that leave you with more questions than answers. Let’s break it down. > Want answers now? Text with our nurses for free at [(316)-975-0069.](sms:+3169750069) ## **What Is Plan B?** Plan B is a type of **emergency contraception** that's designed to help prevent pregnancy *before* it begins. It's meant to be taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a broken condom. Plan B contains the hormone **levonorgestrel**, which primarily works by delaying or preventing ovulation. If your body doesn't release an egg, sperm can't fertilize it. Here’s the important thing to note: **Plan B does not end an existing pregnancy** **and is not the same as the abortion pill.** Plan B works best to prevent pregnancy when taken as soon as possible after unprotected or risky sex and becomes less effective as time passes. ## **What Is Plan C?** Unlike Plan B, **Plan C** **is a term commonly** **used to describe a medical abortion.** Instead of preventing pregnancy before it begins, **Plan C is intended to end an existing pregnancy** during the early weeks. Medical abortion typically involves two medications:   - **Mifepristone**, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to continue a pregnancy. - **Misoprostol**, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.   While some online resources use the phrase "Plan C" to make these medications easier to recognize, it's important to understand what they are designed to do if a pregnancy has already begun. Let’s look at the two side by side for easy comparison and understanding.   | **Plan B** | **Plan C** | | --- | --- | | **Purpose:** Emergency contraception | **Purpose:** Medical abortion | | **Used:** After unprotected sex, before pregnancy is established | **Used:** After pregnancy has been suspected or confirmed | | **How it works:** Delays or prevents ovulation | **How it works:** Ends an existing pregnancy using abortion medication | | **Next step:** If your period is late or you suspect you could be pregnant, confirm pregnancy through an at-home test or [visit Branches](https://www.branchespfrc.org/pregnancy-testing-butler-ks) for a free, medical grade test | **Next step:** Confirm the pregnancy and understand all your options before deciding. [Getting an ultrasound](https://www.branchespfrc.org/free-ultrasounds-butler-county-ks) is the most effective way to do this | The simplest way to think about it is this:   **Plan B is intended to help prevent pregnancy before it begins.** **Plan C is intended to end an existing pregnancy.**   Although their names look and sound similar, they serve two very different purposes. ## **Make Space For Your Decision** When life suddenly feels uncertain, it's easy to believe you have to decide immediately. But, taking time to understand your options is crucial during a time like this.   *It's okay to ask questions.* *It's okay to gather information.* *It's okay to think through what comes next.*   Whatever you're feeling right now – fear, confusion, pressure, or uncertainty – you deserve the space to make a decision with confidence rather than feeling rushed. And, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At [**Branches Pregnancy and Family Center**,](https://www.branchespfrc.org/) we offer reliable care without judgement. If you're facing an unexpected pregnancy, your next step doesn't have to be making a final decision. It can simply be getting answers and taking a breath to process what’s next. [Schedule a visit today](https://www.branchespfrc.org/make-appointment) by texting, calling, or submitting a form online.   **Free Services offered by Branches:** *Chat directly with a licensed nurse* *Medical grade pregnancy test* *Ultrasound services* *Pre-abortion assessment*  *Counseling services* *Parenting services* --- ###### **Sources** 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). *Emergency Contraception.* 2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). *Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.* 3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation ![Branches - Symbol](https://www.branchespfrc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Branches%20-%20Symbol.png?width=150&height=187&name=Branches%20-%20Symbol.png) ###### **El Dorado Center** 214 W Central Ave **[Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Branches+Pregnancy+and+Family+Centers/@37.8176553,-96.8543636,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x87bbb3741836eb83:0x313ac7af14ec9370!4m6!3m5!1s0x87bbb376a57adf25:0xe71369f917b93a77!8m2!3d37.8176511!4d-96.8517887!16s%2Fg%2F11cnq5938q?entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAwOC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&skid=f0d6ff2d-ac86-4ef5-93c8-49de48c74c90)** **Office** | [(316) 322-0070](tel:%20+13163220070) **Mon - Thurs:** 9am - 3pm (Thurs. 3pm - 6pm After Hours by Appointment Only) **Friday:** Closed ###### **Augusta Center** 518 State St. **[Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Branches+Pregnancy+and+Family+Center/@35.4711122,-94.7635273,6z/data=!4m7!3m6!1s0x87ba516f474aed1d:0xaaa09669fc48d36b!8m2!3d37.676935!4d-96.9787714!15sCiFicmFuY2hlcyBwcmVnbmFuY3kgY2VudGVyIGF1Z3VzdGGSARdub25fcHJvZml0X29yZ2FuaXphdGlvbuABAA!16s%2Fg%2F1tpc8h3n?entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAwOC4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D&skid=1db63a0c-eb0e-4e22-ade4-d21ffdb145d1)** **Office** | [(316) 775-9372](tel:%20+13167759372) **Mon:** 10am - 4pm (Tuesday appointments opening soon) **Tues-Fri:** Closed ###### **Here For You** Our Center provides the care you need so you can make the best decision for yourself. We do not perform or refer women for abortions or contraception.   [Contact Us](https://www.branchespfrc.org/contact)   [Donate](https://www.myegiving.com/App/Form/cf37a88c-94b2-4925-962f-d45a5e06c836) © 2026 Branches Pregnancy and Family Center. 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