KYODO NEWS - Jan 27, 2023 - 21:42 | Feature, All, Japan
TOKYO - A pharmaceutical advisory body for Japan's health ministry on Friday expressed no objection to the manufacturing and marketing of an abortion pill, bringing the medication a step closer to becoming the first of its kind to gain approval in the country.
Abortions in early stages of pregnancies in Japan are currently limited to surgical procedures, and the oral pill, if approved, is seen as a new option that could lighten both physical and mental stress on women.
The health ministry said it would gather public opinion and debate the matter further with its pharmaceutical subcommittee as the abortion pill had garnered "deep societal interest and necessitates careful discussion."
Linepharma KK, a subsidiary of British pharmaceutical Linepharma International Ltd., applied for manufacturing and marketing approval for its abortion pill "Mefeego" in Japan in December 2021.
