Plan B is not the same as the “abortion pill” which prevents a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine lining by shedding it. Plan B is a high dose of hormones found in normal birth control pills that prevents eggs from being released and does nothing to prevent pregnancy if an egg has already been released and fertilized. It is by definition a contraceptive.

Some view all forms of contraceptives as akin to abortion and sinful, whether pills or condoms. Others only view abortion as removing a developing fetus from the womb, while most conservatives believe it includes intentionally preventing a fertilized egg from developing. In the latter definition, Plan B is not an abortion and should be considered with the same judgement as oral contraceptives.