Japan approves first ever over-the-counter morning-after pill, no prescription required

Tokyo: Japan has granted regulatory approval for an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill, marking the first time the socially conservative country has allowed so-called “morning-after” medication to be sold without a prescription. 

Drugmaker ASKA Pharmaceutical announced on Monday that it had “obtained manufacturing and marketing approval” for its pill, Norlevo. The approval allows women to buy the medication directly from pharmacies, with no age restrictions or requirement for parental consent, according to the Mainichi Shimbun.

However, the pill will be classified as “medicine requiring guidance”, meaning it must be taken under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Addressing long-standing criticism

Women’s rights groups have long criticised Japan’s strict rules, which previously required a doctor’s prescription to access emergency contraception. Critics say the process, requiring a clinic visit and a prescription, discourages many women, particularly teenage girls and survivors of sexual assault, from obtaining the medication.

The emergency contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, though its effectiveness declines over time.

Background and pilot programme

The move follows years of discussion on easing access. A health ministry panel began considering over-the-counter availability in 2017. Two years ago, a small-scale pilot project tested the approach at just 145 pharmacies, less than 0.2 percent of all pharmacies in Japan. During the trial in 2023, the price was set between 7,000 and 9,000 yen ($47–$60).

Global context

The morning-after pill is already available without a prescription in more than 90 countries. The World Health Organization notes that emergency contraception “should be routinely included within all national family planning programmes.”

(With inputs from AFP)