"Japan has approved over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive pill, its manufacturer says, allowing women in the country to take such medication without prescription for the first time. ASKA Pharmaceutical said wider access to the pill would "empower Japanese women in the area of reproductive health". A date for it to go on sale has yet to be announced. The pill will be labelled as "medicine requiring guidance", meaning women must take it in the presence of a pharmacist."
"Japan's conservative views on abortion are rooted in patriarchy and deeply traditional views on the role of women. In a statement on Monday, ASKA Pharmaceutical said it "has obtained the marketing authorisation as a switch to OTC [over-the-counter] use of the emergency contraceptive pill commercialised under the trademark Norlevo". There will be no age restrictions on buyers and no requirement for parental consent, the Mainichi Shimbun daily reported."
Japan has approved over-the-counter sales of the emergency contraceptive pill Norlevo, allowing women to obtain it without a prescription for the first time. The pill will be labelled as 'medicine requiring guidance', so women must take it in the presence of a pharmacist. There will be no age restrictions and no parental consent requirements. Norlevo underwent prescription-free trial sales at 145 pharmacies after a 2024 regulatory filing. Previously the pill required a doctor's examination and prescription. Rights groups criticised the small trial and campaigners argued prescription requirements deterred younger women and rape victims. A 2017 health ministry consultation showed overwhelming public support, though officials had earlier expressed concern about irresponsible use.
Read at www.bbc.com
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