Japan has approved an emergency contraceptive pill to be taken without a prescription for the first time.
Local media reports the drug won’t have age restrictions or need parental consent.
The pill will be rolled out nation-wide following a trial that began in 2023.
Here’s what you need to know.
ECP
The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), also known as the ‘morning after pill’, is intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
The World Health Organisation classifies ECPs as “essential medicines”.
They are available over the counter in 90 countries, including Australia.
Norlevo
The Japanese Government has now given pharmaceutical company ASKA approval to sell its drug Norlevo over the counter.
The medication previously required a prescription.
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Local outlet Mainichi Japan reports there are no age restrictions or need for parental consent, but the medication must be taken in front of a pharmacist.
It’s not yet clear when the medication will be rolled out.
Japan
The latest Global Gender Gap report ranks Japan 118th out of 148 countries, finding Japanese women have restricted reproductive rights.
Japan approved its first oral contraceptive drug in 1999 and medical abortions in 2023.
Most Western countries, including Australia, approved oral contraceptives in the 1960s.
Japanese law requires women seeking an abortion to get their partner’s consent in most cases.
History
The Japanese Government had discussed allowing access to emergency contraceptives without a prescription on multiple occasions in the past.
In 2017, officials denied the proposal based on the possibility it would encourage “irresponsible” use. A 2022 Government survey received more than 46,000 submissions, with 97% being in favour.
The country has trialled over the counter ECPs for women aged 16 and above at some pharmacies since late 2023.
