Surgical abortions up to 22 weeks of a pregnancy are legal in Japan but have always required partner consent, unless certain circumstances were met, such as unidentifiable partner, death of partner, rape or when the mother’s life is in danger.
Participants hold signs and shout slogans during the Women’s March Tokyo on March 8, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
Despite meeting requirements, local media have reported doctors denying the procedure to women.
Participants hold signs and shout slogans during the Women’s March Tokyo on March 8, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
If women underwent abortion procedures without a partner’s consent or faked their signature, they could face up to one year in prison.
People take part in an International Women’s Day rally in Tokyo on March 8, 2023. (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)
Now, the government has approved a pill that can help terminate pregnancies up to nine weeks.
Participants hold signs and shout slogans during the Women’s March Tokyo on March 8, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
Women’s rights activists are now pushing for better access to the morning after pill, which cannot be bought in Japan without a doctor’s approval.
Participants hold signs and shout slogans during the Women’s March Tokyo on March 08, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
Around 145,000 abortions were carried out in Japan in 2020.
Participants hold signs and shout slogans during the Women’s March Tokyo on March 08, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
