Seoul to consider introducing abortion pills: prime minister

SEOUL, Sep. 16 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Han Seong-sook has announced that the government is considering allowing the use of abortion pills for women up to nine weeks pregnant. This decision comes as related regulations have not been revised since the Constitutional Court struck down the abortion ban in 2019. Han made the announcement during a government policy coordination meeting, emphasizing that the issue should no longer be neglected due to the potential harm it poses to women's lives and safety.

The government plans to introduce abortion pills in phases, initially for women up to nine weeks pregnant. During the first two years, both prescription and dispensing will occur directly at hospitals. Once certain conditions are met, the system will transition to doctors prescribing and pharmacies dispensing the pills. Safety remains the top priority, according to Han, who stressed the need to provide women with a safe medical system rather than forcing them to resort to unverified methods.

The government is also addressing concerns regarding the value of life. Han stated that the measure is aimed at protecting people's health, not encouraging abortion. She appealed for broad understanding of the government's intent to ensure the well-being of women.