Le Japon autorise la pilule du lendemain sans ordonnance
Japan's first over-the-counter morning-after contraceptive pill has been approved by regulators, its maker said Monday, after about eight years of discussions.
ASKA Pharmaceutical said in a press release that it "has obtained manufacturing and marketing authorization."
There will be no age restrictions and no parental consent requirements for the women involved, the Japanese daily Mainichi Shimbun reported.
However, the pill will be labeled as a "medicine requiring advice," meaning that women will have to take it in the presence of a pharmacist.
In this conservative society, activist groups have long complained that emergency contraception is available only after a doctor's prescription and a visit to a clinic or pharmacy, which can discourage many women, especially rape victims and teenage girls.
The pill can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of intercourse, but becomes less effective over time.
Discussions on over-the-counter availability in Japan began at a health ministry panel in 2017.
The pill will cost between 7,000 and 9,000 yen (40.3 and 51.5 euros).
The morning-after pill is already available without a prescription in more than 90 countries.
The World Health Organization states on its website that emergency contraception "should be routinely included in all national family planning programs."
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