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🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

South Korea Considers Legalizing Oral Abortion Pills Amid Global Trend

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Only five OECD countries, including South Korea, have not yet legalized the use of oral abortion pills, with 101 countries worldwide permitting them.
  • The availability of these medications, such as Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which are on the WHO's list of essential medicines, has been increasing globally since France first introduced them in 1988.
  • President Lee Jae-myung has indicated a willingness to consider legalizing these abortion pills, potentially accelerating their adoption in South Korea.

South Korea is among a minority of developed nations that have not yet legalized oral medications for medical abortions. Globally, 101 countries permit the use of these pills, a number that has steadily increased since France first introduced them in 1988. Among the 38 member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only five, including South Korea, have yet to allow these medications, with 33 countries (87%) having already adopted them.

The primary medications used for medical abortions are Mifepristone, which blocks the hormone necessary for pregnancy continuation, and Misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions. Both components were recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as essential medicines in 2005. Currently, South Korea has not approved Mifepristone, although Misoprostol is permitted for treating gastrointestinal issues.

Why can't we allow the use of oral abortion pills even before amending the Mother and Child Health Act?

— President Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee Jae-myung expresses openness to legalizing abortion pills during a State Council meeting.

Recent discussions suggest a potential shift in South Korea's stance. President Lee Jae-myung has publicly raised the possibility of allowing these abortion pills, even before a formal amendment to the Mother and Child Health Act. During a State Council meeting, President Lee questioned why the pills couldn't be permitted, suggesting that doctors could be granted discretion in determining gestational limits or that the sale of the medication could be allowed.

This development comes at a time when discussions around reproductive rights and access to healthcare are gaining momentum globally. The increasing number of countries legalizing these pills reflects a broader trend towards recognizing medical abortion as a safe and effective option. The potential legalization in South Korea could significantly impact access to reproductive healthcare services within the country, aligning it more closely with international standards and practices.

Could we allow doctors to determine the number of weeks, or permit the sale of the medication?

— President Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee Jae-myung suggests potential avenues for allowing access to abortion pills in South Korea.
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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