The World Health Organization has recognized the pill as one of the safest methods. (Representative)
Tokyo:
A subcommittee of the Pharmaceutical Affairs and Food Sanitation Council of the Japanese health ministry on Friday approved an abortion pill developed by Britain’s LinePharma International Ltd. – Mefigo Pill Pack, The Japan Times reported.
It would provide an alternative to a surgical procedure amid demands for women’s reproductive rights and progress in gender equality. Abortions in Japan are usually performed with metal instruments. Because the procedure is invasive, medical experts and others are calling for abortion pills to be introduced in Japan.
The ministry announced the move after a review of 12,000 public comments collected online by a secondary panel. According to the Japan Times report, the final approval is expected from the health minister.
In January, an expert panel under the subcommittee approved the drug, but the ministry decided to discuss the matter with the subcommittee after hearing public comments.
For nearly 30 years, abortion pills have been used overseas, available in more than 80 countries. Japan has been criticized for lagging behind other countries. The Japan Times reported that France was the first country to approve such a bullet in 1988.
Currently, surgical procedures permitted in the early stages of pregnancy are the only options available for abortion in Japan, despite the World Health Organization endorsing the pill as one of the safest methods.
Approval of the pill in Japan would mark progress for women’s reproductive rights, but debate over pricing and consent has cast a shadow over the decision, the Japan Times reported.
Mefigo will not be covered by Japan’s national health insurance, and because women need to take the drugs under medical supervision, the cost may be higher than getting a surgical abortion, even though the average price of abortion pills globally is Estimated wholesale price. Yen should be around yen 780 to yen 1,400, while the cost of surgical procedures for an abortion in Japan ranges from yen 100,000 to yen 200,000, the Japan Times reported.
Another factor is Japan’s Maternal Health Act, which requires the consent of a spouse for abortions—a policy that sometimes blocks access. The health ministry says the law will apply to abortion pills.
While partner consent is not legally required for unmarried women, many doctors require male consent because of a lack of understanding and fear of legal consequences, The Japan Times reported.
There is no provision for unmarried mothers in the law. However, the Ministry of Health has stated that the consent of the partner is not required for unmarried women or women who become pregnant through rape.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)