Key facts
- Human Rights Watch urged South Korea to ease proposed restrictions on abortion pills.
- South Korea plans to formally introduce abortion pills in 2027.
- Proposed rules limit use to nine weeks of pregnancy and require prescription by doctors at large medical institutions for the first two years.
- HRW argues current proposals are inconsistent with WHO recommendations and medical practices allowing up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- The group also called for abortion services to be covered by national health insurance.
Human Rights Watch has urged South Korea to ensure wider access to abortion pills as the country moves to formally introduce the medication next year. The New York-based international human rights group said the Seoul government's plan to formally introduce medication abortion in 2027 would help address a longstanding regulatory gap but criticized proposed restrictions on its use. HRW argued that the currently proposed rules were inconsistent with medical practices supporting medication abortion for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and World Health Organization recommendations allowing a broader range of qualified health workers to provide such care. The group also warned that restricting the number of authorized providers could prevent women from obtaining timely medical services, particularly those who face difficulties accessing hospitals. HRW urged South Korean lawmakers to ensure that abortion services are covered by the national health insurance system and to enact legislation clarifying abortion rights, and protecting patients and medical providers.