THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
September 1, 2025 at 15:13 JST
Japan is set to allow people to buy morning-after pills at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription for the first time, marking a significant step to boost access to emergency contraception and support women's reproductive health.
A specialized committee under the health ministry on Aug. 29 approved the sale of the pill at pharmacies without requiring a prescription.
Official approval is expected within three to four months following a period of public comment, raising the likelihood the public will have direct over-the-counter access to the medication before the end of the fiscal year.
Levonorgestrel is the generic name of the medication the committee intends to be made available over the counter; it was first sold in France in 1999. In Japan, Aska Pharmaceutical Co. introduced it under the name NorLevo in 2011.
NorLevo reportedly prevents pregnancy with an estimated 80 percent effectiveness when taken within 72 hours of having sex.
While other countries use emergency contraceptives such as EllaOne, which can be taken up to 120 hours after intercourse, Japan has yet to approve that option.
Until now, emergency contraceptive pills could only be obtained in Japan with a doctor's prescription, requiring individuals to visit medical institutions.
According to pharmaceutical industry sources, approximately 400,000 people annually use emergency contraception in Japan.
However, the prerequisite of seeing a doctor has been a significant barrier to access for many who wish to use the pill. Under the new system, a customer who purchases the medication in person must take it immediately after speaking with a pharmacist.
Online sales will not be permitted.
There will be no age restrictions or need for parental consent.
Globally, around 90 countries and regions allow emergency contraceptive pills to be purchased over the counter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists these pills as essential medicines and Japan has faced criticism for lagging behind other countries in ensuring sexual and reproductive health rights.
Japanese experts reviewed the issue in 2017 but decided against approving it, citing concerns that pharmacists need specialized knowledge about female reproductive health, existing gaps in sex education and the risk of misuse.
In 2018, the WHO urged all countries to ensure that all women at risk of unintended pregnancy have access to emergency contraceptive pills.
Mihyon Song, an obstetrician-gynecologist, said, “Anyone can experience contraceptive failure. For women who do not want to become pregnant, emergency contraception is the last safety net after intercourse. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is, so easy access is crucial.”
Song also said that some young women may hesitate to seek parental consent, underscoring the need to sell the medication without age restrictions.
(This article was written by Mirei Jinguji and Kazuya Goto.)
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A medical prescription will eventually no longer be required for Aska Pharmaceutical Co.’s NorLevo emergency contraceptive pill.
