Abortion punishment clause disappeared after 68 years of enactment
We need to hurry to formulate policies for safe termination of pregnancy
‘The era of punishment is over!’ held in front of the National Assembly on the morning of the 31st by joint action activists to abolish abortion crimes for all. -He is holding a hand sign at a press conference in front of the National Assembly in 2021 without abortion. By Kim Hye-yoon, staff reporter [email protected]
▶Shortcuts : <한겨레> Special page’Abortion Crime Abolition’ http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/delete A new world in which the punishment for abortion has disappeared after 68 years, a new year without abortion. However, a world in which safe and healthy termination of pregnancy is possible has yet to come. For one year and nine months after the Constitutional Court decided that the constitution was inconsistent with Article 269 (1) of the Criminal Code, the government failed to prepare the amendment. The crime of abortion has disappeared after the deadline for the alternative legislation has passed, but discussions on support measures for safe termination of pregnancy that should have been achieved are now beginning. Experts and citizens urge the government and the National Assembly to hurry to prepare policies for a safe abortion after abortion crimes are completely abolished. “We will never go back to the age of punishment again.” “We will fight to uphold the new ethics.” On the last day of the’abortion crime’, citizens who gathered in front of the National Assembly cried out even in the cold weather with a temperature below -10 degrees Celsius. ‘Joint Action to Abolish Abortion Crimes for All’, which led the movement to abolish abortion crimes, held a press conference on the morning of the 31st,’The era of punishment is over, no’abortion crime’. Father Zakaeo (Achievement Reproduction Christian Forum), who spoke as a representative of the religious world, said, “Korean society should no longer ask silly questions in the name of religion. I hope you ask how you would welcome the women of this land.” “I need re-education in the medical field,” said Yul activist, who is acting as a representative of the medical field. I wonder if the medical community and government departments are ready.” Earlier, on the 30th, a debate was held at the National Assembly on the 30th to discuss urgent tasks for women and medical experts to “decriminalize the suspension of pregnancy”. At this debate hosted by Democratic Party lawmaker Kwon In-sook, various proposals were made for the transfer of pregnancy termination to’public medical service’. In particular, experts contend that it is necessary to prepare a’information system’ for the general public and medical staff, permit the miscarriage induction system (saving during pregnancy), and provide health insurance coverage to stop pregnancy. Experts pointed out that establishing an’information system’ for the general public and medical staff is an urgent need. Obstetrician and gynecologist Yoon Jeong-won said, “The places where women (related to abortion) got information were places like Mipjin brokers and Greenchang (portal site). They pointed out that they contain malicious and misleading information, such as that re-pregnancy is impossible after surgery.” Specialist Yun is using existing sites such as’Hospital/Pharmacy Search Service’ of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service or’E-GEN’ of the Central Emergency Medical Center as part of the information provision system for pregnancy termination. Suggested. Preparation for the introduction of a heritage induction system is also urgent. The use of miscarriage inducing agents is highly interested in women because it can effectively stop pregnancy in the early stages of pregnancy, but due to a legislative gap, no counseling procedures or medical support guidelines have been prepared for this. Kyu-han Chae, head of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said, “We will distribute educational materials for experts and patients about the drug before taking it, so that a doctor can provide a sufficient explanation.” If so, we will give priority to other medicines so that they can be approved quickly.” There was also a suggestion that the’health insurance coverage’ to stop pregnancy is necessary. Currently, 21 countries such as Australia and Denmark can stop pregnancy free of charge with the support of the public medical system, while 13 countries including Belgium provide partial support for the cost of stopping pregnancy by health insurance or public hospitals. Lee Joong-gyu, head of the insurance benefit section of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said, “Consultation with medical institutions for the termination of pregnancy is considering a plan to pay health insurance.” However, Manager Lee said, “It is still necessary to consider whether the suspension of pregnancy will be paid or left as non-payment.” On the other hand, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (HRC) on the 31st, informed the chairman of the National Assembly that it is desirable to prepare an amendment in the direction of maintaining the position of decriminalization of pregnancy termination when deliberating and deciding on the’Partial Amendment Act of the Criminal Law’ and the’Partial Amendment of the Maternal and Child Health Act’ Expressed. The NHRCK stated, “The state will not be able to punish women who have abortions, but rather to devise measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and to seek fundamental solutions such as providing social and economic conditions for pregnant women to choose childbirth. There is a need.” Along with the elimination of abortion crimes, the possibility of legislating a government amendment limiting the number of weeks and reasons for abortion has completely disappeared, but it seems that the opinion of the NHRCK should be considered when the National Assembly prepares a new bill or amendment to support pregnancy termination. By Kim Mi-hyang, Lim Jae-woo, and Kim Yoon-ju, staff reporters [email protected]