Japan’s Health Ministry Mulls Wider Availability for Abortion Pill
Japan’s Health Ministry is exploring the expansion of availability for the country’s first approved abortion pill, potentially allowing its use in clinics without inpatient facilities. Currently, the medication is restricted to hospitals with inpatient capabilities.
This consideration follows a national survey indicating no severe complications since the Mefeego pill pack’s approval in April last year. The ministry is now looking at permitting its use in outpatient clinics that can provide 24-hour care and coordinate with inpatient facilities for emergencies.
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The Mefeego pill pack, developed by British pharmaceutical company Linepharma, is an oral medication for terminating pregnancies up to nine weeks. The treatment involves taking two types of pills 36 to 48 hours apart. While some countries permit at-home use, Japan mandates inpatient hospital stays until the abortion is fully complete. This policy was initially established due to Japan’s lack of experience with the drug.
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A government research team examined approximately 36,000 abortions conducted between May and October last year at 2,096 facilities nationwide. The pill pack was used in 435 cases, with 39 resulting in surgical abortions due to incomplete termination. Notably, no severe complications such as heavy bleeding requiring transfusions or severe allergic reactions were reported.
Under the new proposal, patients could go home without waiting at the clinic, provided they live within 16 kilometers and can return for a follow-up within a week to confirm the abortion.
A health ministry official reportedly said that expanding access to this medication enables more non-surgical options and ensures equal access to abortion care nationwide.
The ministry plans to propose this idea for discussion by its expert panel soon, aiming to enhance the accessibility and equality of abortion care across Japan.
