Justice Party Proposes Complete Abolition of Abortion Law... Kim Jong-cheol "Will Definitely Overhaul It"

"Democratic Party and People Power Party Must Show Clear Stance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 5th, the Justice Party proposed a party-backed bill to amend the Criminal Act, Maternal and Child Health Act, and Labor Standards Act, deleting both the punishment provisions for abortion and the provisions allowing limited abortion surgeries.

Kim Jong-cheol, leader of the Justice Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the same day, stating, "The ruling party, the Democratic Party of Korea, and the main opposition party, the People Power Party, must show a clear stance on the abolition of the abortion law even now. That is proper responsible politics," and emphasized, "We will definitely reform the system that leaves abortion and pregnancy termination as a woman's sin."

Kang Eun-mi, floor leader of the Justice Party, said, "The abortion law not only drives women's lives to the brink but also infringes on women's basic rights. Women who commit abortion are stigmatized as criminals with imprisonment or fines. The more abortion is driven underground, the more women are forced to undergo illegal procedures in unsafe medical environments or bear unwanted childbirth. Women must be recognized and guaranteed the right to safely decide their own lives and health."

The amendment bill specifies in a newly established provision that "The pregnant woman's right to self-determination regarding the continuation or termination of pregnancy shall be guaranteed," and "No one shall force a pregnant woman to make a specific choice." It also allows workers who have undergone abortion to receive leave equivalent to miscarriage or stillbirth.

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