Japan initiated the trial of selling morning-after contraceptive tablets over-the-counter in an effort to lower abortion rates and solace for rape victims.
Japanese health officials commenced a trial for prescription-less morning-after pills at selected pharmacies on Tuesday, with plans for a full-scale rollout to be determined after it ends in early 2024. Japan's health ministry says it has an efficacy rate of 80%, working best within 72 hours after having unprotected sex, as per Kyodo News. The over-the-counter trial, headed by the Japan Pharmaceutical Association, will run until the next fiscal year in March 2024.