TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) announced plans on Tuesday (March 4) to convene a meeting on Thursday to discuss the potential reclassification of emergency contraceptive pills as pharmacy-dispensed drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 食藥署) proposed in 2016 to reclassify Levonorgestrel, a first-generation emergency contraceptive pill. Still, concerns from the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology (婦產科醫學會) stalled progress.
Chiu emphasized the issue's complexity, highlighting its implications on women's pregnancy and childbirth. FDA will continue evaluating and balancing discussions. FDA Deputy Director General Wang Te-yuan (王德原) noted that the meeting will focus on the feasibility, scientific basis, and social consensus for reclassification. The Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) plans to join a cross-ministry meeting to further these discussions.
Legislator Lin Yi-chun (林憶君) advocated making emergency contraceptive pills available as pharmacy-dispensed drugs to ensure women's reproductive autonomy. Lin cited a World Health Organization (WHO) report stating that reclassification could reduce pregnancy-related risks for women and alleviate social and economic burdens. Currently, 88 countries have classified these pills as over-the-counter medications.