"Emergency contraceptives available for purchase at pharmacies" requested by the country July 22 8:13
A group made up of obstetricians and gynecologists has submitted a request form to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to request that emergency contraceptives to be taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy can be purchased at a pharmacy.
On the 21st, the request form was submitted by an obstetrician/gynecologist or an NPO.
Emergency contraceptives/after pills are medicines to prevent unwanted pregnancy in cases of sexual violence or failure of contraception, and should be taken within 72 hours after sexual activity.
Currently, it is necessary to receive prescription from a doctor in Japan, but according to the group, there are many countries overseas where you can purchase it at a pharmacy because there are no serious side effects.
In the request form, we request the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to promote correct understanding that it is impossible to completely prevent pregnancy, and to be able to purchase at a pharmacy with the involvement of a pharmacist.
In addition to the request form, the organization also submitted signatures for about 70,000 people collected on the Internet.
On the other hand, regarding the use of emergency contraceptives at pharmacies, there is a cautious opinion from related academic societies that the sex education to learn contraceptive methods should be improved.
Asuka Someya, director of the NPO "Pilcon" who submitted the request, said, "We need an environment where people who need it can get it with peace of mind when they need it. I want you to take immediate action."