정부, 임신중지약 도입 전제 부처 협의 중…식약처 결단만 남아

The government and medical professionals are working to establish health insurance application procedures and safety management measures for the contraceptive pill (Miphox) as a prerequisite for its approval. President Jang Yoon-gwan ordered a review of whether the contraceptive pill could be introduced even without legislative change, and a week later, the decision was made by the Food and Drug Safety Agency (Food and Drug Safety Agency).

The issue stems from the "abortion crime constitutional invalidity" decision made seven years ago, leaving women in significant distress. The Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Justice, the Food and Drug Safety Agency, the Ministry of Government Legislation, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family are conducting a cross-departmental consultation on the issue.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare is reviewing the application of health insurance if the contraceptive pill is allowed, and the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs is collecting various opinions from the medical community, women's organizations, and civil society.

The Food and Drug Safety Agency maintains a cautious stance, stating that a legal amendment is necessary to define the specific scope of the contraceptive pill's approval. However, the president has not excluded the possibility of introducing the contraceptive pill before the legal amendment. The Food and Drug Safety Agency is currently discussing with other departments how to establish standards and guidelines to be followed before the legal amendment.