Emergency contraception is not the "abortion pill". The two therapies are entirely different and it is important not to confuse them.

"Emergency contraception" refers to contraceptive methods that work after unprotected sex but before pregnancy. It is often referred to as the "morning after pill". Emergency contraception pills are typically taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, well before a pregnancy can be established. They supply the same drugs as regular birth control pills, in a higher dose. Emergency contraceptives are true contraceptives in that they prevent pregnancy, often by delaying or inhibiting ovulation. They will not cause an abortion if a woman is already pregnant at the time she takes the pills.

The "abortion pill" refers to mifepristone (formerly called RU 486) which is approved for use in some countries to terminate a confirmed pregnancy. In contrast with emergency contraception, mifepristone is used after a woman misses her period, up to seven - nine,weeks into a confirmed pregnancy; it is typically used in conjunction with another type of drug called a prostaglandin that causes uterine contractions. Used this way, the drugs cause an abortion.

Confusion can arise because mifepristone is a very versatile drug and has been studied (although never registered) for a number of indications related to women's health besides abortion. These include daily contraception (very low doses will prevent ovulation), emergency contraception (when taken within several days of unprotected sex, mifepristone does work to prevent pregnancy
just as do the other methods of emergency contraception), early abortion (as was just registered in the United States), cervical ripening, and even labor induction. It is critical to note two facts, however. Mifepristone is not registered anywhere in the world for emergency contraception, and none of the methods of emergency contraception that are registered anywhere in the world will work to cause abortion. All of them prevent pregnancy.

Emergency contraception and early medical abortion with compounds like mifepristone are both important options for women. In order for women to understand their choices and make informed decisions, they need accurate information about these therapies, and the differences between them.