Park Yong-jin: '7 years since abortion ban ruled unconstitutional... early-stage medical abortion drugs should be allowed'

Seven years after the Constitutional Court declared the abortion ban unconstitutional, South Korea remains in legislative limbo regarding abortion access, particularly concerning early-stage medical options. Park Yong-jin, vice chairman of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee, voiced frustration over the National Assembly's inaction and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's (MFDS) continued prohibition of medical abortion drugs. Speaking at a meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung, Park forcefully advocated for the introduction of these drugs, emphasizing their global acceptance and necessity.

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Seven years have passed since the Constitutional Court decided the abortion ban was unconstitutional, yet the National Assembly has failed to create alternative legislation, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety continues to prohibit the drugs.

Park pointed out that medical abortion drugs are already approved and in use in approximately 100 countries worldwide and are listed as essential medicines by the World Health Organization (WHO). He further revealed that even the MFDS, after consulting seven law firms, received opinions indicating that these drugs could be permitted even without legislative amendments. This suggests that the primary obstacle is not legal but administrative, possibly stemming from a reluctance within the ministry to take proactive steps.

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This drug is already approved in about 100 countries worldwide and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization (WHO). Even when the MFDS asked for opinions from seven law firms, they received opinions that the drug could be allowed even if the relevant laws are not revised.

From the perspective of the Hankyoreh, this situation exemplifies a concerning pattern of bureaucratic inertia and a potential lack of political will to address pressing social issues. Park suggested that the MFDS's hesitation might be rooted in a fear of repercussions for 'active administration' – a fear that stifles progress and fails to serve the public interest. The continued prohibition, despite available legal interpretations and international standards, creates a 'silent but powerful regulation' that leaves citizens frustrated and vulnerable.

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Perhaps it is due to the fear and concern about who should bear the responsibility for the aftermath if active administration is taken.

This inaction not only denies women access to safe and internationally recognized medical procedures but also fuels the burgeoning black market for such drugs. The resulting issues of illegal distribution and misuse pose significant health risks. Park's call for a more proactive review and clearer guidelines regarding administrative accountability is crucial. It highlights the need for government bodies to prioritize public health and safety over bureaucratic timidity, especially when dealing with issues that have profound implications for women's reproductive rights and well-being in South Korea.

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If it is something that can be done but is not being done, it could be a silently powerful regulation. From the public's perspective, it is frustrating, and there are damages due to illegal distribution and misuse of drugs, so I hope for a more active review and clear guidelines regarding the immunity of administrative agencies.