Japão

Abortion Laws and Policies

Overview

Abortion on request is not authorized. It is permitted up to 22 weeks for economic or social reasons, in case of rape or if the pregnancy endangers the woman or person's health, including physical health, or their life.

A married person needs spousal consent to proceed with their abortion request.
Depending on gestational age, abortion is fully or partially covered by public insurance.

Penal law criminalizes women and pregnant people for having an abortion outside of the legal conditions specified in the law. Abortion providers and any people assisting may be criminalized for an abortion outside of the legal conditions specified in the law.

Claim your rights

Access to abortion is a fundamental human right and a basic healthcare need. If you live in a country with restrictions to abortion access, you can visit Women on Web to request abortion pills or learn more about the local support and resources available in your country.

About Abortion Pills

An abortion with pills is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy at home. There are two ways to have an abortion with pills:

Have an abortion with a pill called Mifepristone and another pill called Misoprostol;
Have an abortion with the pill Misoprostol only.

You already have abortion pills? Find instructions, information around dosage, safety precautions and tips here.

Mifepristone

Mifepristone is not officially registered by the country’s pharmaceutical authority.

Misoprostol

Misoprostol is registered

It is registered for gynecological indications (such as birth, miscarriage treatment or abortion care etc.)

A doctor's prescription may be required to get Misoprostol.

Misoprostol can be bought in pharmacy distribution

Safety notice
There are pills that contain a combination of Misoprostol and the painkiller Diclofenac. While manufactured for a different purpose they can still be used for abortion. Specific instructions need to be followed to avoid overdosing the Diclofenac.

Local Organizations and Resources

No local organizations.

Community Comments

No comments.

Scams

Watch out for fake abortion clinics and sellers online. See or contribute to our list of scams & stay safe!

Other Databases and Sources

These are the sources and databases used to gather the information listed on this country profile.

15.12.2022/WHO, Global Abortion Policies Database: https://abortion-policies.srhr.org/country/japan/
11.09.2022/National Medicine Authority: https://www.pmda.go.jp/english/index.html
National Medicine Databank: -
15.12.2022/Reproductive Rights Map: https://reproductiverights.org/maps/worlds-abortion-laws/?country=JPN
15.12.2022/Map of Norms regarding Conscientious Objection: https://www.redaas.org.ar/conscientious-objection-map