Seoul: The government announced plans on Wednesday to formally allow the use of abortion pills for women up to nine weeks pregnant, highlighting the need for regulatory updates following the Constitutional Court's 2019 decision to strike down the abortion ban.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministries of gender equality, health, and food and drug safety detailed the plans during a government policy coordination meeting, emphasizing that the lack of clear regulations poses risks to women's health and safety. The introduction of abortion pills will occur in phases, initially involving direct prescription and dispensing at hospitals for the first two years.
Once the necessary conditions are met, the system will transition to a model where doctors prescribe the pills and pharmacies handle their distribution. The food and drug safety ministry has already received applications for the approval of abortion pills, which will be carefully vetted for safety and quality before being made available.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook expressed concern about women resorting to unsafe methods, stating that the issue should not be ignored as it endangers lives and safety. "Safety is more important than anything else," she emphasized, advocating for a medical system that provides safe treatment options for women.
Han also noted the government's commitment to addressing "concerns regarding the value of life," clarifying that the initiative aims to protect health rather than promote abortion. She urged for public understanding of the government's intentions.
The formal introduction of abortion pills is a key administrative goal for the Lee Jae Myung government, gaining momentum after the president directed the exploration of safe usage options in July, even in the absence of a complete legal framework.