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Bishops denounce new birth pill

Government 'irresponsible' as new drug induces chemical abortions, they say
Bishops denounce new birth pill
'ellaOne', emergency contraceptive pill, recently approved by the government
Published: July 20, 2011 05:59 AM GMT
Updated: July 20, 2011 05:59 AM GMT

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.

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