Emergency Contraceptive Pill??
As it is called “emergency”, Emergency Contraceptive (EC, morning-after-pill) is a medicine that women use to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex: and it is necessary to be taken ASAP after the intercourse: within 72 hours at the latest.
( “Ella-one”, a new type of EC which can be used within 5 days,
is not approved to use in Japan).
PRESCRIPTION
While EC is available at the pharmacy without a prescription in around 90 countries,
EC is a prescription-needed medicine in Japan. It means you first have to see a doctor (gynecologist in most cases) and get a prescription. This process takes time and is not easy, especially if you study or work full time, or live in the countryside, or if you are not familiar with the Japanese medical system, like newcomers or tourists.
EXPENSIVE
High price is another problem. While many countries keep the price purposely low or even provide them for free to ensure access , in Japan, it costs around $100 and no insurance covers it. Because the cost is depended on clinics, some ask even around $200 for one EC.
RESULT
① about 30% of women have had given up taking EC
when they faced anxiety and fear of unintended pregnancy in Japan.
According to our survey,
② 96.3％ says 'there is barrier on access to EC'
③ 96.8% says 'we want EC at pharmacies'
According to our survey,
！YES！
(96.3％:1399/1452 )
Do you feel any barrier
on access to EC?
Do you want EC
at pharmacies?
！YES！
(96.8％:1467/1516 )
Although WHO says
"all women and girls at risk of an unintended pregnancy have
a right to access emergency contraception"
and many Japanese people have asked for it, it has been rejected for too long time.
Every year, Japan have almost 40million gusts from all over the world.
It's not only about people live in Japan,
but it may also be
about your friends, your family, or even you!
Do you want to take an action?
Please join this signature campaign
and share it to your friends!
Thank you!
Are you interested in learning more about sexual and reproductive health in Japan?
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