South Korea Moves to Introduce Abortion Pills After Seven-Year Regulatory Gap
Seoul, September 17, 2026: South Korea’s government has announced plans to formally introduce medication for pregnancy termination, moving toward a regulated medical system nearly seven years after the country’s Constitutional Court ruled that the existing abortion ban was unconstitutional.
Under the government’s proposed framework, abortion medication would initially be available for pregnancies of up to nine weeks, subject to approval and safety reviews by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Applications for the relevant medicines are already under regulatory examination.
The government plans to introduce the system in stages. During the first two years, doctors would prescribe and dispense the medicines directly through medical institutions. After the initial period, authorities could move toward a system in which doctors prescribe the medication while pharmacies handle dispensing, provided the necessary safety conditions are established.
Officials said the move is intended to address the regulatory gap that developed after the 2019 Constitutional Court decision. The government has argued that the absence of a formal medical framework has created difficulties in ensuring safe access, monitoring medication use and providing appropriate medical follow-up.
The Food and Drug Safety Ministry said it would examine the medicines’ safety, effectiveness and quality before granting approval. The applications currently under review seek authorization for use during the first nine weeks of pregnancy.
The government is targeting the first quarter of 2027 for the introduction of the medicines, provided the required regulatory procedures are completed.
The announcement has generated differing reactions within South Korea. Women’s organizations have called for quicker and broader access, while sections of the medical community have emphasized the need for appropriate legislation, safety protocols and medical oversight. Religious groups have also voiced concerns about the government’s plan.
The policy follows an instruction from President Lee Jae-myung earlier this year for the government to examine ways of allowing safer access to abortion medication. The latest announcement represents a significant administrative step toward establishing a formal system for the medicines.
The next stage will depend on regulatory approval and the development of detailed procedures governing prescriptions, dispensing, medical supervision and follow-up care.
