Han Seong-sook cites "concerns regarding the value of life" in abortion pill review

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Wednesday that the government will review whether to allow medication that ends early pregnancies for women up to nine weeks along. The proposal follows the Constitutional Court’s 2019 invalidation of an abortion ban, with related rules still not updated. Han said that unresolved gap has led some women to use unsafe alternatives, a situation she said should no longer be ignored. Under a phased approach, hospitals would initially handle both prescribing and supplying the pills for two years; afterward, if conditions are met, doctors could prescribe and pharmacies could dispense. Han also said the government is weighing ethical objections, stressed the plan is meant to safeguard health rather than increase abortions, and requested public support.