Abortion legislation returns to spotlight after 7-year limbo

Seven years after the Constitutional Court struck down the abortion ban in Korea, the country’s stalled effort to establish a new legal framework has returned to the spotlight following President Lee Jae Myung’s call to review the introduction of the abortion pill mifepristone.

The issue stems from legislation left unresolved since the court ruled in 2019 that the criminal provision on abortion was incompatible with the Constitution and ordered lawmakers to revise it by the end of 2020.

Although the criminal provision lost its legal effect after the deadline passed, the National Assembly has yet to pass replacement legislation defining when and under what conditions abortions are permitted.

Lee reignited the issue during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, criticizing the government’s handling of mifepristone, commonly known overseas as Mifegyne or Mifeprex, which has not been approved in Korea.

“Even if it creates some difficulties for the government, women should be able to receive the medication under appropriate medical supervision.

Leaving the situation as it is now is irresponsib ...