KWDI Korean Women’s Development Institute

This study had four objectives as follows: (1) parse out the differences in contraception and abortion policy between Korea and other OECD countries, (2) find out the debates on both policies in Korea, (3) examine women’s perception and attitude regarding contraception and abortion policy and their needs and (4) compare the similarities and differences in these policies among stakeholders.

Firstly, in contrast to Korea, oral and emergency contraceptive pills in most OECD countries were classified as over-the-counter (OTC) and ethical drug (ETC), respectively. Indeed, the permission of induced abortion on socioeconomic grounds was provided in most OECD countries, except for Korea and some countries. These OECD countries had consideration for women’s reproductive health rights in both contraception and abortion policies.

Secondly, women’s rights to access good quality reproductive healthcare, to safe abortion and using pills, and to self-determination were important debates on both contraception and abortion policies, including the right to life.

Thirdly, women in general called for that emergency contraceptive pills should be classified as OTC, like oral contraceptive pill and chosen the right to safe as the most important component when using it, regardless of any contraceptive pills, Indeed, the right to safe abortion was also the important thing, although most women claimed that abortion for socioeconomic reason should become legal.

Lastly, although the grounds on classification of contraceptive pills and permission of abortion were clearly different among stakeholders, the rights to safe contraception and abortion were also the most important element.

Based on the findings above, this study suggested several ways for policy support for women’s reproductive health.