South Korea to allow medication abortion after years of debate

South Korea’s government announced plans to introduce medication abortion pills, known as ‘Mifegine’, allowing their use up to nine weeks into a pregnancy.

The decision follows a 2019 Constitutional Court ruling that found previous abortion laws unconstitutional and a subsequent request from President Yoon Suk Yeol in July to review allowing the drugs. For the first two years, doctors at medical institutions will directly prescribe and dispense the medication, after which the government will consider allowing pharmacies to fill prescriptions.

The move ends a seven-year delay in implementing the court’s decision, which had stalled due to social and ethical debates surrounding abortion. Deep divisions between those prioritizing women’s reproductive rights and groups emphasizing fetal life rights had prevented lawmakers from passing necessary legislation. The President’s intervention came after concerns were raised about women resorting to purchasing the medication through overseas channels, exposing them to safety risks.

Currently, ‘Mifegimiso’, developed by Linepharma International of the UK and slated for import by Hyundai Pharm, is undergoing a review process by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. If the company submits necessary supplementary data and the drug passes quality checks, officials expect the medication to be available in the country as early as the first quarter of next year.

Further details regarding prescription guidelines, medical professional responsibility, and health insurance coverage will be determined during the upcoming institutionalization process.