Taiwan, inspired by Japan, reviews access to emergency contraceptive pills
July 2026. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) containing levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA) are currently prescription products in Taiwan. Last June, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) proposed adding three prescription medicines—LNG and UPA ECPs, and also misoprostol—to its drug traceability system, with the stated aim of strengthening oversight of drug distribution and compliance.
The proposal prompted criticism from the Taiwan Pharmacist Association, which argued that ECPs should not be treated in the same way as misoprostol, a medicine that can be used as part of a medical abortion regimen. A public petition was subsequently launched on the government’s Public Policy Online Participation Network Platform calling for ECPs to be reclassified as pharmacist-instructed, over-the-counter medicines. The petition highlights that timely access is essential to effectiveness and has quickly attracted strong public support.
Amid the backlash, Taiwan’s Health Minister said the government will consider limited relaxation of access to ECPs, using Japan’s current model as a reference. Under the Japanese system, which came into effect in October 2025, ECPs are available without a prescription under pharmacist supervision. According to the Minister, a policy proposal is expected in the second half of 2026.
Sources: Focus Taiwan. Taiwan to review emergency contraception access, taking cue from Japan (4 July 2026): https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607040015. Focus Taiwan. Health minister says Taiwan to consider easing access to morning-after pill (2 July 2026): https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607020024.
