Japan Approves Abortion Pill For Wider Use
Japan approves abortion pill for wider use for early pregnancy termination. The pill, known as Mifepristone, has been available in Japan since 2000 but was only approved for use up to 49 days after conception.
Author:Tyreece BauerReviewer:Elisa MuellerApr 25, 202345.7K Shares738.6K Views
Japan approves abortion pill for wider usefor early pregnancy termination. The pill, known as Mifepristone, has been available in Japan since 2000 but was only approved for use up to 49 days after conception.
The recent decision allows its use up to 63 days after conception, a move that has been welcomed by women's rights advocates.
What Is Mifepristone?
Mifepristone is a medication used in combination with another drug, Misoprostol, to terminate early pregnancy. The pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue, and causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetus.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the drug comprises of two types of pills and may be given as early as nine weeks of pregnancy.
According to NHK, 93% of patients in a research experiment in Japan experienced a complete abortion within 24 hours.
The drug comprises mifepristone and misoprostol, both of which have been designated as safe and effective for pregnant women by the World Health Organization.
Japan to Get Its First Abortion Pill, Decades After Other Nations
The Previous Restrictions On Mifepristone
Women in Japan can only have abortions if their pregnancy "may seriously harm the person's physical health owing to bodily or economic grounds" or if they became pregnant as a result of rape.
Until now, Mifepristone was only approved for use up to 49 days after conception, a period that some women's rights advocates said was too short.
The shorter timeframe meant that women who missed their periods, which can sometimes happen due to stress or other factors, may not have realized they were pregnant until the 7-week mark or later, making them ineligible for the drug.
The Impact Of The New Decision
A panel in Japan's health ministry has authorized the country's first abortion pill, marking a significant step forward for reproductive rights decades after other nations made abortion pills readily available.
According to a Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare spokeswoman, the MeFeego Pack, an abortion pill developed by British pharmaceutical Linepharma, was approved by the ministry's pharmaceutical board on Friday.
With the approval of Mifepristone for use up to 63 days after conception, women in Japan will have more time to access the medication if they choose to terminate their pregnancies.
This decision is expected to have a significant impact on women's reproductive health in Japan, where abortion is legal but heavily regulated.
Reaction From Women's Rights Advocates
Women's rights groups in Japan have welcomed the decision to expand the availability of Mifepristone. They say that the longer timeframe will help women who may have missed the opportunity for early pregnancy termination.
However, some groups say that there is still work to be done to improve access to abortion and reproductive healthcare services in Japan.
Opposition From Anti-abortion Groups
Anti-abortion groups in Japan have criticized the decision to approve Mifepristone for wider use. Some have argued that the longer timeframe for use may lead to increased abortions and undermine the value of human life.
However, women's rights advocates say that the decision simply provides women with more options and control over their reproductive health.
Final Words
The approval of Mifepristone for use up to 63 days after conception is a significant step towards improving women's access to reproductive healthcare in Japan.
While some opposition remains, women's rights groups see this as a positive move towards greater control and autonomy for women in their reproductive decision-making.
Tyreece Bauer
Author
A trendsetter in the world of digital nomad living, Tyreece Bauer excels in Travel and Cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and is a certified Cybersecurity professional.
As a Digital Nomad, he combines his passion for exploring new destinations with his expertise in ensuring digital security on the go. Tyreece's background includes extensive experience in travel technology, data privacy, and risk management in the travel industry.
He is known for his innovative approach to securing digital systems and protecting sensitive information for travelers and travel companies alike. Tyreece's expertise in cybersecurity for mobile apps, IoT devices, and remote work environments makes him a trusted advisor in the digital nomad community.
Tyreece enjoys documenting his adventures, sharing insights on staying secure while traveling and contributing to the digital nomad lifestyle community.
Elisa Mueller
Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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