Japan: Historic switch for emergency contraception

ByCristina Puig

October 2025. Today, ASKA Pharmaceutical, the marketing authorization holder of Japan’s only emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), announced it has received official approval to make the product available over the counter (OTC). This means people in Japan will soon be able to obtain emergency contraception directly from pharmacies without a prescription.

This marks a historic milestone for reproductive autonomy in Japan, aligning national policy with WHO recommendations that promote easier and safer access to emergency contraception.

Read ASKA’s official press release here.

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