Japan to approve morning-after pill – but partner’s consent will be required

Delay in approving emergency contraception, and the possible $780 cost, reflect priorities of male-dominated parliament, say critics

Women in Japan could be forced to seek their partner's consent before being prescribed the morning-after pill, which will reportedly be approved late this year - almost four decades after it was made available to women in the UK.

Under Japan's 1948 Maternal Protection Law, consent is already required for surgical abortions - with very few exceptions - a policy that campaigners say tramples over women's reproductive rights.