🏘️緊急避妊薬が国内初の市販化 薬局で購入可能にEmergency Contraceptive Pills Now Available at Pharmacies社会2026-02-07 00:32この記事を共有共有日本語バイリンガル英語JA望まない妊娠を防ぐための緊急避妊薬が２月１日から全国の薬局で市販されることになり、医師の処方箋なしで購入できるようになったことが、厚生労働省への取材でわかりました。ENEmergency contraceptive pills that prevent unwanted pregnancy have been made available at pharmacies nationwide from February 1, and can now be purchased without a doctor's prescription, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.JA市販化されたのは「レボノルゲストレル錠」で、性交後７２時間以内に服用することで妊娠を約８５%防ぐ効果があり、薬剤師との対面相談を経て購入できるということです。ENThe medication being sold is called "levonorgestrel tablets," which is about 85% effective in preventing pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, and can be purchased after an in-person consultation with a pharmacist.JA日本ではこれまで緊急避妊薬は医療機関での処方が必要でしたが、若年層の望まない妊娠や中絶を減らすため、先進国の中で遅れていた入手環境の改善を求める声が高まっていました。ENIn Japan, emergency contraceptive pills previously required a prescription from a medical institution, but calls for improving access had been growing to reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortions among young people, as Japan lagged behind other developed nations.JA厚生労働省の担当者は「緊急時に迅速にアクセスできる環境を整えることで、女性の健康と権利を守る選択肢が広がった」と述べ、適切な使用を呼びかけました。ENAn official from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare stated that "by creating an environment where people can quickly access this medicine in emergencies, we have expanded options that protect women's health and rights," and called for appropriate use.JA一方で、価格は１回分が８０００円から１万円程度と高額で、経済的な理由で購入を諦める人が出るのではないかとの懸念も広がっています。ENHowever, at a cost of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 yen per dose, the price is quite high, raising concerns that some people may be unable to afford it for economic reasons.JA自治体の中には、若年層への費用補助制度を導入する動きもあり、東京都渋谷区は１８歳から２４歳の女性を対象に半額助成を行う方針を固めました。ENSome local governments are introducing subsidy programs for young people, and Tokyo's Shibuya Ward has decided to provide a 50% subsidy for women aged 18 to 24.JA性と健康の専門家である日本家族計画協会の北村邦夫理事長は「市販化は重要な一歩だが、性教育の充実と併せて進めることが必要だ」と指摘し、社会全体での理解促進を呼びかけています。ENKunio Kitamura, director of the Japan Family Planning Association and an expert in sexual and reproductive health, pointed out that "over-the-counter availability is an important step, but it needs to be accompanied by improved sex education," and is calling for greater understanding throughout society.
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