South Korea’s New Play on Abortion: Doctors Take a Stand
South Korea, a powerhouse on the global stage, has recently decided to crank up the opposition to abortion a bit further. The result? About 2,000 doctors walking out on the procedure, putting their stethoscopes on the back burner in protest.
What the Law Says (and Why It’s Barely Followed)
- Only for the “Very Serious” Cases: A woman can legally abort if she can prove it was a rape, if the pregnancy was due to incest, or if her health is in danger (and her partner’s thumbs-up is required).
- But in practice, the bans are more like a polite suggestion.
Survey results reveal a startling fact: about 20% of women who’ve had pregnancies have gone through an abortion, yet only 1% say they had a legal reason for it. - The Penalties: Women caught in the act can face a fine and up to a year in jail; doctors who carry out the procedure risk up to two years behind bars.
The Law’s Origins and the Recent Review
Set in motion back in 1953, this law is now being reassessed by the Constitutional Court. Yet earlier this month, the health ministry rolled out even harsher guidelines:
- Doctors might suddenly find their medical licence paused for a month—no need for a criminal conviction to trigger it.
- The ministry labeled the act of abortion as an “immoral medical action,” tying it with other “harsh” behaviors, such as sexually assaulting patients.
Doctors Speak Out
Representing roughly 2,000 obstetricians and gynecologists, the Korean College of OB & Gyn publicly swore off performing abortions. Their vice‑chairman can be heard saying:
“Labelling doctors as immoral is simply appalling,” Lee Young‑kyu told AFP.
Patients who turned to abortion are often from impoverished backgrounds or are underage. “If women were forced to give birth under such circumstances, does that not raise questions about morality?” the statement continues, hinting at deeper ethical concerns.
What the Protest is About
We’re not all in for full legalization; the voice from the medical community is quieter but powerful: “We’re simply fighting for the right to choose.”
So while the law shouts from the rooftops, the doctors’ collective stance adds a much-needed counterpoint, reminding everyone that, at heart, reproductive choices matter—and sometimes, people choose very loudly to say “no.”
