South Korea Reviews Access to Abortion Pill

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung instructed the government on Tuesday to immediately review safe options for the use of the abortion pill mifepristone, as the country continues to lack a clear legal framework governing abortion services.

Although South Korea's Constitutional Court decriminalized abortion in 2019, lawmakers have yet to pass legislation defining gestational limits and regulating medical procedures.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee said continued government inaction on the issue would be irresponsible.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, the president noted that many South Korean women are purchasing mifepristone through overseas black-market suppliers because the drug is not legally available in the country, exposing them to significant health risks.

Lee said the government should adopt a pragmatic approach and establish a legal system allowing the safe use of the medication, even if doing so presents administrative challenges.

As an initial step, he proposed allowing qualified physicians to determine whether mifepristone should be prescribed on a case-by-case basis.

(max)