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President Lee: Leaving abortion pill access unaddressed is irresponsible; considers doctor discretion

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • President Lee Jae-myung criticized the government's inaction on the domestic introduction of abortion pills.
  • He stated that leaving the issue unaddressed is irresponsible, especially as women resort to overseas purchases.
  • The president suggested exploring practical solutions, including allowing doctors discretion in prescribing the medication.

President Lee Jae-myung has strongly criticized the government's current stance on the domestic introduction of abortion pills, calling its passive approach "irresponsible." During a cabinet meeting, he highlighted the risks women face by ordering the medication through overseas direct purchases due to the lack of legal access within South Korea.

The government's current inaction is irresponsible.

— Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee Jae-myung's assessment of the government's handling of the abortion pill issue.

"We are not allowing it, so women are taking it through overseas direct purchases, but when women who realistically need it buy it directly from abroad, accidents happen," President Lee stated. He questioned the government's inaction, suggesting that even with difficulties, a system for appropriate administration should be established. The president pointed out that the issue is currently tied to legislative discussions on the scope of legal abortion, warning that trying to resolve all principled matters could lead to an indefinite delay.

When women who realistically need it buy it directly from abroad, accidents happen.

— Lee Jae-myungHighlighting the dangers associated with women resorting to overseas purchases of abortion pills.

President Lee proposed that while defining abortion allowance periods and having doctors prescribe within those limits is the ideal approach, the current reality involves women obtaining medication without any oversight. He expressed concern that the government is avoiding responsibility while citizens are put at risk. The president indicated openness to considering measures that leverage doctors' discretion, suggesting that even an imperfect system allowing doctors to decide on prescriptions would be better than the current situation of neglect.

We cannot solve all principled issues and end up not being able to do anything.

— Lee Jae-myungExpressing frustration over the legislative deadlock surrounding abortion and medication access.

He instructed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to coordinate discussions among relevant ministries to find a compromise solution. "It doesn't seem like something that can just be left as is," President Lee concluded, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue. The president's remarks signal a push for practical measures to manage access to abortion pills, acknowledging the gap between legal frameworks and real-world needs.

Even if it's imperfect, wouldn't it be better than leaving it neglected?

— Lee Jae-myungSuggesting that a less-than-perfect solution involving doctor's discretion is preferable to the current lack of access.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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