On the 4th, the National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women, comprising 69 civic groups, held a press conference at the National Assembly's Communication Center to oppose the amendment to the Maternal and Child Health Act proposed by lawmakers Nam In-soon and Lee Soo-jin.

The National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women, composed of 69 civic groups, held a press conference at the National Assembly's Communication Center on August 4th, strongly condemning the amendment to the Maternal and Child Health Act proposed by Democratic Party lawmakers Nam In-soon and Lee Soo-jin as "unilateral legislation that disregards fetal life." They urged for the immediate withdrawal of the amendment, stating it "effectively permits abortion without limit and provides for the coverage of abortion costs through national health insurance."

The amendment in question primarily focuses on the full legalization of abortion within 12 weeks of pregnancy, the introduction of medical abortion (abortion pills), and the application of health insurance to abortion procedures. The National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women criticized that this bill does not reflect the standard of "harmonizing the protection of fetal life with a woman's right to self-determination," as required by the Constitutional Court's ruling of unconstitutionality in 2019.

The organization argued, "A fetal heartbeat can be detected from 6 weeks of pregnancy, and after 10 weeks, the skeleton begins to form and the body grows rapidly. Allowing abortion without restriction up to 12 weeks effectively means the complete liberalization of abortion and can foster a legal atmosphere that devalues life." They particularly emphasized, "The reality of legislation being pursued where abortion of a fetus near full term is permissible without penalty, while animal abuse is punished, shakes the principle of respecting life."

Furthermore, the introduction of the oral abortion drug 'Mifegyne' included in the amendment emerged as a key issue. Mifegyne is a widely used drug in Europe, and Hyundai Pharm holds the exclusive import contract in South Korea. The National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women pointed out, "If the bill passes, immediate domestic supply will become possible, and with health insurance coverage, a system will be created where anyone can easily obtain abortion pills."

They expressed particular concern that "the distribution of drugs involving the commercial interests of pharmaceutical companies, combined with an atmosphere that devalues life, could lead to significant social side effects." Indeed, Hyundai Pharm has publicly stated through the media that it "expects annual sales exceeding 100 billion won."

Side effects of the abortion pill were also pointed out. The National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women stated, "Mifegyne is not a simple pain reliever, and its use can be followed by side effects such as severe cramps, excessive bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Crimes have also been reported in the United States where abortion was induced without the knowledge of the partner using the drug."

They also raised concerns about the lack of fairness and balance in the legislative process, stating, "This bill only reflects the demands of specific women's groups and lacks consideration for social consensus or ethical standards." The National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women emphasized, "All life must be protected, and systems should be established in a way that rejects commercialism and respects the conscience and religious beliefs of medical professionals."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court officially overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling. As a result, legislation regulating or banning abortion has spread across individual states, and there is currently no federal right to abortion. The National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women commented on this, pointing out, "Following overseas precedents that have already been overturned is anachronistic, and instead, we should consider the global trend towards prioritizing life protection."

At the end of the press conference, they urged that new legislation related to abortion should be established based on the so-called 'Three Principles of Respect for Life': "protection of life, rejection of commercialism, and guarantee of conscience and religious beliefs." The National Federation for the Protection of Fetuses and Women announced that they would propose alternatives involving the participation of civil society and experts in the future.

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