(LEAD) Gov't announces plans to formally introduce abortion pills

On Wednesday, the government announced its intention to formally permit the usage of abortion pills for women up to nine weeks pregnant. This announcement comes as related regulations have yet to be revised since the Constitutional Court overturned the previous abortion ban in 2019. Representatives from the ministries of gender equality, health, and food and drug safety presented these plans at a government policy coordination meeting, highlighting the institutional gaps that have put women's health and safety at risk.

The proposed plan intends to introduce abortion pills in phases, beginning with prescription and dispensing directly at hospitals for the first two years. If certain conditions are met, the system will gradually shift to doctors prescribing the pills and pharmacies dispensing them. The food and drug safety ministry has received applications for approval of these abortion pills for use by women up to nine weeks pregnant, and it will carefully evaluate their safety and quality before moving forward.

Concerns have been raised about some women turning to dangerous alternatives, and the government views this issue as a matter of neglecting people's lives and safety. Prime Minister [name] addressed the matter, emphasizing the need to address this challenge promptly.