The intricate predicament surrounding abortion in South Korea results from a multitude of factors involving law, politics, society, and ethics. While the Constitutional Court's decision in 2019 to declare the criminalization of abortion as unconstitutional was a noteworthy advancement for women's reproductive rights, it also recognized the importance of decriminalizing abortion and upholding women's control over their bodies. Nonetheless, the absence of concrete legislative changes following this ruling has left the legality of abortion in a state of ambiguity, causing confusion and moral quandaries for women seeking abortion procedures.

In South Korea, the issue of abortion is a complex and uncertain one, causing difficulties for women like 33-year-old Kim. Despite not wanting to get married or become a mother, Kim found herself unexpectedly pregnant and turned to the internet for information on abortion. However, the advertisements she found varied in price and she was unsure of the legal status of the procedure.

The ambiguity surrounding abortion in South Korea has left women like Kim in a difficult legal and ethical position. The country's long-standing ban on abortion, Act 269 of the Criminal Act, was deemed unconstitutional in 2019 and required legislative revisions by the end of 2020. However, the failure to pass these revisions has resulted in abortion being technically legal, but without a clear regulatory framework. This has left women without access to legal abortion services.

The political climate in South Korea has further complicated the situation, with anti-feminist sentiments hindering progress in passing legislation. President Yoon Suk Yeol's campaign promises, such as abolishing the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, reflect the contentious gender dynamics at play. Religious groups have also opposed the legalization of abortion, citing concerns about family and moral values.

As a result of these challenges, access to safe abortions remains limited. Medical procedures are not covered by the National Health Insurance Service, allowing doctors to set unregulated prices. While alternative methods like medication-induced abortions have gained popularity, regulatory approval for drugs like mifepristone is still pending.

In addition to these barriers, online access to abortion resources is also restricted, with regulatory bodies blocking websites like Women on Web. Despite these challenges, women like Kim have turned to telemedicine services for abortion pills, highlighting the importance of access to healthcare information.

In essence, the legal ambiguity surrounding abortion in South Korea has created a complex and challenging situation for women seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Despite the 2019 ruling, the lack of legislative progress and political and religious opposition have hindered access to safe and legal abortion services. It is crucial for the government to address these issues and provide women with the necessary resources and support to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

The severe consequences of limited abortion availability have significant human rights implications, as groups such as Human Rights Watch condemn censorship and advocate for reproductive rights. In addition, the World Health Organization stresses the safety and effectiveness of medical abortions, highlighting the necessity of unimpeded access to reproductive healthcare.

The ongoing abortion discussion in South Korea sheds light on broader concerns regarding gender equality and reproductive rights, calling for comprehensive legislative reforms and societal changes to ensure women's autonomy and access to healthcare. Despite this, women like Kim who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies continue to face legal and moral uncertainties, highlighting the pressing need for a resolution to South Korea's abortion dilemma.

Conclusion:
The lack of a well-defined abortion policy in South Korea has far-reaching consequences for the reproductive rights, healthcare access, and overall well-being of women. The absence of clear legislative guidance creates uncertainty and confusion for women seeking abortion services, leading to ethical dilemmas and potential legal risks.

This lack of regulation also leaves healthcare providers unsure of their obligations and responsibilities, resulting in inconsistent availability of safe and affordable abortion procedures. Moreover, the absence of a clear policy undermines women's autonomy and decision-making power in regards to their reproductive health, perpetuating stigma and discrimination surrounding abortion. Furthermore, the legal ambiguity contributes to social and economic disparities, as women with limited resources may struggle to access necessary healthcare services or may resort to unsafe abortion methods.

Overall, the absence of a clear abortion policy exacerbates existing challenges in ensuring women's reproductive rights, healthcare equity, and gender equality in South Korea. It is imperative that urgent legislative action is taken to provide comprehensive and accessible abortion services, protect women's autonomy, and promote reproductive justice for all individuals.

Reference: The Korea Herald

Written By: Md.Imran Wahab, IPS, IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal
Email: [email protected], Ph no: 9836576565