Government to Phase In Abortion Medication for Pregnancies Up to Nine Weeks

[Financial News] The government is pursuing a plan to introduce medication for induced abortion in stages. This comes seven years after the Constitutional Court of Korea ruled that the country’s abortion law was unconstitutional in part.
On the 16th, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said at the National Policy Coordination Meeting held at the Government Complex that the government would discuss “a plan to gradually introduce medication for induced abortion for pregnancies of up to nine weeks” in connection with the introduction of the abortion medication ‘Mifjin.’
Prime Minister Han said, “During the initial two years, hospitals will handle both prescribing and dispensing,” adding, “Once the necessary conditions are in place, we will prepare plans to transition and expand the system to physician prescriptions and pharmacy dispensing.”
Han continued, “We must establish measures so that women who need this care can receive treatment within a safe medical system rather than relying on unverified methods.” She emphasized that the necessary legislation and institutional reforms would also be pursued without disruption.
Following the National Policy Coordination Meeting, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held a joint briefing at Government Complex Seoul and formally announced the plan to introduce medication for induced abortion.
Under the plan, abortion medication is expected to be available for pregnancies of up to nine weeks, or 63 days. During the initial two-year period, physicians at medical institutions will be responsible for both prescribing and dispensing the medication. The system will then be gradually expanded after side effects and safety are reviewed.
Controversy over the introduction of abortion medication has continued for years. In 2019, the Constitutional Court of Korea ruled that the abortion law was unconstitutional in part. At the time, the court urged the National Assembly to revise the relevant laws, even presenting a specific standard allowing abortions up to 22 weeks. However, amid intensifying controversy over abortion, legal revisions have been delayed to this day.
Prime Minister Han said, “Since the Constitutional Court of Korea’s 2019 ruling that the abortion law was unconstitutional in part, an institutional vacuum has persisted, and the reality is that some women have been relying on dangerous methods.” She added, “We must no longer leave this issue unattended amid arguments for and against it.”
Han emphasized, “Ultimately, that would mean overlooking the lives and safety of the public, so establishing a safe and realistic solution was urgently necessary.”
Opposition from some groups is also expected in response to the government’s phased introduction plan.
Addressing opposition to the introduction of abortion medication, Prime Minister Han said, “We are also taking concerns about the value of life very seriously.” She urged the public to “understand broadly that this measure is intended to protect public health, rather than to recommend induced abortion.”

[email protected] Jeong Sang-gyun Reporter