Japan approved its first abortion pill in April, finally giving Japanese women an option to abort pregnancy without surgery. Access to the new two-drug regimen, though, is highly restricted, partly the result of opposition from conservative politicians, notes Research Director Kenji Shibuya.

“In Japan, abortion is still stigmatized, and the existing mechanism for abortion pills limits access, particularly in rural areas,” he told Bloomberg News. “It’s questionable how many physicians actively respect and provide contraception and abortion services as a fundamental right for women.”

“Japan’s First Abortion Pill Is Here—and Elusive,” Bloomberg Newsletter
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-06-19/japan-s-first-abortion-pill-is-here-and-elusive

Profile of Research Director Kenji Shibuya
https://www.tokyofoundation.org/experts/detail.php?id=653