The main distinction between emergency contraception and medication abortion lies in their respective purposes: emergency contraception aims to prevent pregnancy, whereas medication abortion is intended to terminate an existing pregnancy.   Emergency contraception, commonly known as the "morning-after pill," is taken within three to five days after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure. Its primary mechanism involves preventing or delaying ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. In some cases, it may also hinder the fertilization of an egg or its implantation in the uterus if ovulation has already occurred.   However, emergency contraception cannot terminate a pregnancy, as the medical community defines pregnancy as a fertilized egg that has been successfully implanted in the uterus. On the other hand, medication abortion is utilized to terminate an existing pregnancy.   Medical abortions are available at Woman’s First Choice. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Monrovia CA, Rosemead CA, El Monte CA, Pasadena CA, Alhambra CA, and Baldwin Park CA.