🎯 1. Decriminalization in 2021

On April 11, 2019, South Korea’s Constitutional Court declared its restrictive abortion laws unconstitutional. When the National Assembly failed to revise the law by December 31, 2020, Articles 269 and 270—criminalizing abortion—became invalid. As a result, abortion was officially decriminalized on January 1, 2021, removing criminal penalties for both women and medical providers

🎯 2. Legal Status as of Mid‑2025

Although abortion is legally permitted throughout pregnancy, no formal legislation or detailed regulations have been enacted since 2021. This legal vacuum means that practical access is vague, and there are no official gestational limits in effect.

🎯 3. Policy Gaps and Uncertainty in Care

While abortion is no longer criminal, the government has not introduced formal guidelines for medical protocols, insurance coverage, or practitioner responsibilities. Consequently, abortion exists in a legal gray area, with providers and patients operating amid uncertainty.

🎯 4. Attempts at Legislative Reform

In October 2020, a draft proposal sought to legalize abortion on request up to 14 weeks and under specific conditions (e.g., rape, fetal abnormality) up to 24 weeks. However, this draft was never brought to a vote and expired at the end of 2020 🎯 5. Access and Public Health Implications

Despite decriminalization, many clinics remain cautious about providing abortion care without clear legal protection. Without insurance coverage, the cost remains fully out-of-pocket, and patients may also face difficulties scheduling procedures or accessing counseling.

🎯 6. What Has and Has Not Changed

What changed:

• No criminal penalties for abortion since January 2021.
• No requirement for spousal consent.
• Full legal permissibility across all pregnancy stages.

What hasn’t changed:

• No binding gestational limit laws.
• No nationwide medical protocols or insurance coverage.
• No standard public counseling or post-abortion care systems.



Final Takeaway: What It Means for You in 2025

• Yes, abortion is legal in South Korea as of 2021.
• But access depends heavily on local clinics—especially in major cities.
• Without formal regulation, scheduling, cost, language support, and aftercare vary widely.
• It’s essential to contact clinics directly to clarify available procedures, costs, and support services.
• Advocacy groups continue pushing for legislation to ensure clarity, affordability, and comprehensive reproductive care.

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