아시아 11/07/20 Bishops denounce new birth pill - Government 'irresponsible' as new drug induces chemical abortions, they say..Stephen Hong, Seoul

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Bishops denounce new birth pill

Government 'irresponsible' as new drug induces chemical abortions, they say

Stephen Hong, Seoul
Korea
July 20, 2011

'ellaOne', emergency contraceptive pill, recently approved by the government

Korean bishops have expressed anger at the government’s decision late last week to approve another “morning-after pill.”

Father Casimir Song Yul-sup, secretary of the Pro-Life Activities of the Korean bishops’ conference, issued a statement on Monday opposing the sale of the “ellaOne” emergency contraception pill.

The Korea Food & Drug Administration approved its sale with a doctor’s prescription on July 14.

The drug, manufactured by French pharmaceutical company, HRA Pharma, is effective up to five days after unprotected intercourse while the morning after pill currently being used in South Korea is effective for three days after sex.

Approval was made “hastily, without enough research into the drug’s effects, and without a common consensus,” Father Song said in the statement.

“It is very regrettable and the government is extremely irresponsible,” the statement added.

According to the priest, the main ingredient, Ulipristal, not only prevents ovulation but also induces chemical abortions.

EllaOne pills are already being sold in Europe and the United States.