Editorial

15:25 JST, October 4, 2025

Many women are confronted with the anxious prospect of an unintended pregnancy due to contraceptive failure or sexual violence. Morning-after pills can be considered an effective means of providing relief to such women.

An expert panel of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has approved making emergency contraceptives, which currently require a doctor’s prescription, available over the counter. Following the government’s approval procedures, they are expected to be available for purchase at pharmacies as early as this fiscal year.

There will be no age restrictions for purchase, nor will parental consent be required. However, due to concerns raised by some experts about potential misuse, such as purchasing for resale purposes, women taking the medication will........

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