HRW urges S. Korea to ease restrictions on proposed abortion pill rules

Human Rights Watch has called on South Korea to make abortion pills more accessible as the nation prepares to officially permit the medication next year. While the move is seen as a significant step, HRW has cautioned that stringent regulations could hinder access to abortion services. In a statement released on Sunday, the New York-based organization criticized proposed limitations on the use of abortion pills.

Susanne Bergsten, HRW's acting women's rights research assistant, emphasized the importance of ensuring that regulations do not render abortions either inaccessible or unaffordable. Bergsten urged South Korea's National Assembly to quickly align abortion legislation with international human rights standards to safeguard both patients and providers.

Last month, the South Korean government announced its plan to formally allow the use of abortion pills by next year.