Indonesian Caregiver Charged for Allegedly Selling Abortion Pills on TikTok

An Indonesian caregiver working in Taiwan, identified as YURI, faces charges for allegedly selling prescription medication on TikTok to facilitate abortions. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office has indicted her on charges of illegal abortion for profit.

Prosecutors allege that YURI, along with her Indonesian spouse and another Indonesian national, advertised the sale of abortion drugs and clinics on TikTok since 2023. The medication in question is "CYTOTEC," also known as "Misoprostol," which is primarily used to treat stomach ulcers but can also induce uterine contractions, making it effective for terminating pregnancies. This drug requires a doctor's prescription.

Beyond selling the medication, which was priced between 1,500 and 2,500 yuan per 10 pills, YURI allegedly offered a referral service for pregnancies too advanced for medical abortion alone. For this service, she reportedly charged a fee of 6,500 to 7,000 yuan, connecting individuals with obstetrics and gynecology clinics.

The investigation began after authorities received tips about the illegal sale of "CYTOTEC" within the Indonesian expatriate community. YURI was arrested and detained. Authorities are also investigating the upstream sources of the medication, including pharmacies suspected of supplying the drug. Two pharmacy representatives have been granted bail, while a key intermediary is reported to have left the country.