tokyo Cardinal Voices opposition too Over-the-Counter Morning-After Pill Access in Japan
Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, the Cardinal-Archbishop of Tokyo, has publicly expressed strong disagreement wiht Aska Pharmaceutical’s recent decision to make its emergency contraceptive pill available over the counter in Japan. The proclamation, made on October 20, 2025, represents a notable shift in Japanese policy, allowing for the frist time the purchase of the “morning-after” pill without a prescription, though dispensing will be overseen by a qualified pharmacist.
In a statement to UCA News,Cardinal Kikuchi stated he ”cannot approve measures that may take human life without adequate moral education.” He acknowledged the argument that the change promotes “woman’s right to self-determination,” but emphasized the belief that “life is a gift from God.” His comments underscore the Church’s position that moral education should accompany any changes to reproductive health regulations.
The pill is designed to prevent unwanted pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of intercourse. Aska Pharmaceutical stated the move aims to align Japan with practices in many Western countries and broaden access for women. While a specific sales date has not been announced, the company confirmed women of all ages will be eligible to purchase the product.
Discussions regarding over-the-counter access began as early as 2017, and a subsequent public consultation revealed substantial support, citing women’s rights, difficulties accessing clinics, and Japan’s comparatively conservative regulatory approach.
However, medical organizations including the Japan society of obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have voiced concerns, citing insufficient sex education and potential inadequacies in pharmacist training. A pilot program testing over-the-counter models was conducted in 2023, leading to full regulatory approval from Japan’s pharmaceutical Affairs Council in May 2025.
The Catholic Bishops‘ Conference of Japan previously opposed the approval of Norlevo for manufacturing and marketing. In a December 2010 statement, the bishops asserted that emergency contraceptives are intended to induce abortion, which they believe contradicts the moral obligation to respect human life.They further explained that as emergency contraceptives can potentially prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg, they can function as abortifacients.
As the policy is implemented, focus will now shift to the development of supporting educational frameworks and whether the Church’s concerns regarding moral formation will be addressed alongside the increased pharmaceutical access.
