Summary: Abortion and Sex Education in South Korea

1. Abortion:

Abortion was decriminalized in 2021 after the 2019 Constitutional Court ruling.

However, no clear law or framework has been established yet — this leaves
doctors and women uncertain about access, limits, and insurance coverage.

In practice, abortion is legal but not fully regulated.

2. Sex Education:

Sex education is provided to all students in schools (about 15 hours a year).

It mainly focuses on biological topics, with less emphasis on consent,

relationships, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The government and NGOs are working to make it more comprehensive and
inclusive.

3. K-pop Idols’ Role:

Some idols and celebrities support better sex education and have spoken about
learning it as trainees.

A few idols, like Sulli, publicly supported abortion rights and women’s
freedom of choice.

Their influence helps raise awareness and reduce stigma among youth.

South Korea (Your Country – Harshavardhini)

 Progress: 2019 ruling decriminalized abortion (took effect in 2021).

 Problem: No clear law yet → legal confusion and poor access.
 Barriers:

High cost (up to ₩1 million cash)

Lack of post-abortion counseling

Unequal access (urban vs. rural)

Social stigma from Confucian and religious beliefs

  International criticism:

WHO and UN urge Korea to make abortion laws clearer and accessible.

 Suggested IIMUN usage:

Recognize challenges but show Korea as responsible and reforming.

Suggest integrating abortion care into Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Promote collaboration with NGOs and global partners.

✅What the sources say

1. Gynopedia

Contraceptives like condoms and many birth control pills are legal and can be
bought over the counter at pharmacies. Gynopedia+1

Emergency contraception requires a prescription. Gynopedia+1

2. Education Profiles (Comprehensive Sexuality Education, South Korea)

South Korea introduced national sex education guidelines in 2015 recommending

~ 15 hours of sex education per year. Education Profiles

However, these guidelines were criticized for emphasizing abstinence, biological

aspects of sex, and reinforcing gender norms; content around LGBTQ and more
inclusive topics is largely excluded. Human Rights Watch+2Education Profiles+2

3. Situational Analysis by Heinrich Böll Stiftung (2025)

Notes that abortion was decriminalized (as of Jan 2021) in South Korea. Heinrich
Böll Stiftung Seoul | East Asia+1

Sex education described as inadequate and exclusionary, especially lacking

modern, inclusive, evidence-based content. Heinrich Böll Stiftung Seoul | East
Asia+1
Steps Towards Clarification

1. Decriminalization by Constitutional Court (2019) and Effect (2021)

In April 2019, South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled that the criminalization
of abortion (under the criminal code) was [Link]+2Amnesty
International+2

Because the legislature did not revise the law by the court’s deadline (end of
2020), the penal provisions criminalizing abortion became invalid from 1
January [Link] Rights Watch+[Link]+2

2. Draft Proposals to Define Gestational Limits and Conditions

In 2020, there was a draft proposal to legalize abortion on request up to 14 weeks,

and up to 24 weeks under certain conditions like rape, fetal abnormality, or risk to
mother’s [Link]+2Human Rights Watch+2

However, that draft was never passed and expired at the end of that legislative
[Link] Times+1

3. Moves to Legalize Abortion Pills / Medication Abortion

More recently, the government is drafting a bill to ensure access to non-surgical

abortion methods (abortion pills) in addition to surgical [Link] Times

This would require revising existing laws/rules, such as physician consent and
restrictions on advertising abortion [Link] Times

4. “Protected Birth Bill” / “Anonymous Birthing” Bill

There is a legislative proposal to allow anonymous births and support for “crisis
pregnancies,” partly aimed at addressing unwanted pregnancies and stigma
around single [Link] Rights Watch

But these proposals don’t directly solve the abortion law clarity issues. They
tackle related [Link] Rights Watch

Remaining Uncertainties

 Even though abortion is formally decriminalized, no comprehensive law has been

passed that defines clear gestational limits, protocols, insurance coverage, or who can
provide abortion [Link] Rights Watch+3Korea Times+[Link]+3
  Because of this gap, many medical providers remain cautious about offering abortion
services, and pregnant people often face confusion about where, how, and at what cost
they can access safe [Link] Rights Watch+[Link]+2

Democratic Republic of Congo

 Past: Almost total abortion ban → unsafe abortions → high maternal deaths.
 Change: In 2018, DRC adopted the Maputo Protocol, expanding legal abortion cases.
 Challenge: Awareness and implementation in remote and unstable regions.
 NGOs’ Role: Advocacy and education to bring legal change to practice.

Iraq

Abortion Rights:

 Legal Status: Abortion is largely illegal under Iraqi law, with limited exceptions.
 Permissible Cases:

To preserve the life or health of the pregnant woman.

In cases of fetal abnormality.

In instances of incest or rape, though this is not explicitly stated in the law.

 Legal Reference: Articles 417 to 419 of the Iraqi Penal Code criminalize abortion, with
exceptions only for the aforementioned cases [Link].

Sex Education:

 Curriculum: Sex education is not systematically included in the national curriculum.

 Challenges: Cultural and religious norms often hinder the implementation of
comprehensive sex education programs.
 Source: The Future of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Iraq Oxford Human
Rights Hub.

Pakistan

Abortion Rights:
  Legal Status: Abortion is permitted only to save the woman's life or, in early pregnancy,
to provide "necessary treatment."
 Access: Despite legal allowances, access to safe abortion services is limited, and many
procedures are performed clandestinely.
 Source: Abortion in Pakistan - Guttmacher Institute Guttmacher Institute.

Sex Education:

 Curriculum: Sex education is not a mandatory part of the school curriculum.

 Public Perception: Discussions on sexual health are often considered taboo, leading to a
lack of comprehensive sex education.
 Source: The Need for Sexuality Education in Pakistan - PMC PMC.

🇺Ukraine

Abortion Rights:

 Legal Status: Abortion is legal on request up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

 Extended Access: Between 12 to 22 weeks, abortion is permitted under specific
conditions, including medical, social, and personal grounds.
 Source: Abortion in Ukraine - Wikipedia Wikipedia.

Sex Education:

 Curriculum: Sex education is part of the national curriculum, including topics on

reproductive health and rights.
 Recommendations: International bodies encourage Ukraine to continue and expand sex
education systematically in schools.
 Source: GAPD - Ukraine [Link].

The Bahamas

Abortion Rights:

 Legal Status: Abortion is illegal except to save the woman's life.

 Advocacy: There are calls from civil society organizations to decriminalize abortion and
implement comprehensive sexuality education.
 Source: Equality Bahamas - Abortion Rights [Link].

Sex Education:
  Curriculum: Sex education is provided in schools, but the extent and content vary.
 Advocacy: Organizations advocate for comprehensive sexuality education to be
implemented in all schools.
 Source: Equality Bahamas - Sex Education [Link].

Iran

Abortion Rights:

 Legal Status: Abortion is permitted only to save the woman's life or in cases of fetal
abnormality, under strict conditions.
 Recent Developments: Proposed laws aim to restrict access to contraception and sex
education, potentially violating women's rights.
 Source: Iran: Population Law Violates Women's Rights - Human Rights Watch Human
Rights Watch.

Sex Education:

 Curriculum: Sex education is limited and often focuses on abstinence and moral
teachings.
 Challenges: Proposed laws may further restrict access to sex education and reproductive
health services.
 Source: Women in Iran could be turned into baby-making machines - Amnesty
International UK

Abortion Rights in Switzerland

 Legal Status: Abortion is legal on request during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The
woman must confirm she is in a state of distress. After 12 weeks, abortion is permitted
only for medical reasons. Wikipedia
 Legal History: Abortion was legalized by popular vote in 2002, with over 72% of voters
supporting the change. SWI [Link]
 Healthcare Coverage: Abortion services are covered by Switzerland's universal
healthcare system. In 2014, a proposal to remove abortion coverage was rejected by
about 70% of voters. Wikipedia

Sex Education in Switzerland

 Curriculum: Sex education is integrated into the school curriculum, starting from
kindergarten or primary school and continuing through secondary education. The
 curriculum includes topics such as human development, interpersonal relationships,
sexual health, sexual behavior, and culture, society, and law. [Link]
 Implementation: The implementation of sex education is decentralized, with cantons
(regions) having autonomy over their educational programs. In the French-speaking
cantons, there is an obligation to involve external specialists for a minimum of 9 hours of
sexuality education. [Link]
 Approach: The approach to sex education is holistic, combining sexual and emotional
education. The program aims to enable students to understand the physiological, social,
and emotional changes they experience as they mature and to develop healthy and
rewarding relationships. The Swiss Times

Abortion – Negative/Restrictive Points in Switzerland

1. Time Limit Restriction

Legal abortion is only allowed on request up to 12 weeks.

After 12 weeks, abortion is permitted only for medical reasons, which can limit
access for social, economic, or personal reasons.

2. Mandatory Counseling / Waiting Period

A mandatory counseling session is required before abortion.

Some critics argue this can act as a barrier, especially for young or vulnerable
women.

3. Access Differences by Region (Canton)

Switzerland’s healthcare is cantonal, meaning services vary by region.

Rural or remote cantons may have fewer abortion providers, making access
harder.

4. Cost and Insurance Limitations

While abortion is covered by universal healthcare, some additional services or

private clinics may charge fees.

Sex Education – Negative/Restrictive Points

1. Decentralized Implementation

Cantons have autonomy, so the quality and comprehensiveness vary widely.

 Some cantons may provide very limited hours or only biological information,
omitting consent, sexual orientation, or relationship education.

2. Limited Focus on Certain Topics

Even in more progressive cantons, topics like LGBTQ+ issues, abortion, and
contraception access may be briefly covered or omitted.

3. Parental Objections

Parents can opt their children out of sex education in some cantons, limiting
reach.

4. Social Stigma Still Exists

Despite legal access, cultural or religious stigma around abortion or sexuality

may discourage students from asking questions or accessing services.

Abortion Rights in the USA

Legal Status:

 Roe v. Wade (1973–2022): Previously guaranteed federal protection for abortion,

allowing women to terminate pregnancies up to ~24 weeks.
 Current Status: After Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022),
abortion rights are no longer federally protected. Laws are now set by individual states.

Key Points by State:

 Some states fully protect abortion (e.g., California, New York).

 Some states heavily restrict or ban abortion except in life-threatening situations (e.g.,
Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri).
 Time limits vary: early pregnancy (~6–24 weeks) depending on the state.

Negative / Restrictive Points:

1. Access varies by state, leading to “abortion deserts” where people must travel long
distances.
2. Cost and insurance coverage can be major barriers.
3. Legal penalties for providers or patients exist in restrictive states.
4. Social stigma and protests outside clinics can deter access.

Source: Guttmacher Institute – Abortion in the United States

Sex Education in the USA

Curriculum:

 Highly decentralized: Each state decides its own sex education standards.
 Some states mandate comprehensive sex education, including contraception, consent,
sexual orientation, and STI prevention.
 Other states require abstinence-only education, focusing on avoiding premarital sex
without teaching contraception.

Negative / Restrictive Points:

1. Inconsistent coverage: Students in different states get very different information.

2. Abstinence-only programs: Often exclude important topics like contraception,
LGBTQ+ issues, and consent.
3. Parental opt-outs: Many states allow parents to exclude children from sex ed classes.
4. Limited nationwide guidance: No federal mandate for comprehensive sex education.

Source: CDC – School Health Guidelines

Abortion Rights in China

Legal Status:

 Abortion is legal and widely accessible in China.

 There are no strict time limits for abortion in practice, though local hospital policies
often follow a first-trimester preference.
 China has historically promoted abortion as part of family planning policies, especially
during the one-child policy era.

Negative / Restrictive Points:

1. Sex-selective abortion is illegal, but enforcement varies.

2. Pressure from family planning policies has historically led to coercive abortions in
some cases, though this has decreased in recent years.
3. Rural vs urban access: Quality of care and counseling can vary.

Source: WHO – Abortion in China

🧑Sex Education in China

Curriculum:

 Limited and inconsistent across regions.

 Usually taught in biology or health classes, focusing on puberty, reproduction, and
hygiene.
 Topics like contraception, consent, sexual orientation, and relationships are rarely
included.

Negative / Restrictive Points:

1. Cultural taboo: Talking about sex is often considered shameful.

2. Inconsistent coverage: Urban areas may have better programs; rural areas often lack
comprehensive education.
3. Lack of nationwide policy: No standardized, mandatory sex education for all students.

Source: UNESCO – International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education: China

Abortion Rights in India

Legal Status:

 Abortion is legal under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971,
with amendments in 2021.
 Time Limits:
o Up to 20 weeks: Allowed on request under various grounds (risk to mother’s
physical or mental health, contraceptive failure, fetal abnormalities).
o 20–24 weeks: Allowed for certain categories of women (rape survivors, minors,
fetal abnormalities) with approval by two doctors.
 Providers: Must be done by registered medical practitioners in authorized facilities.

Negative / Restrictive Points:

1. Limited awareness: Many women are unaware of their legal rights.

2. Access issues: Rural areas may lack authorized facilities.
3. Social stigma: Cultural and religious norms discourage abortion in some communities.
4. Documentation hurdles: Approval and paperwork can delay access.

Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – MTP Act

Sex Education in India

Curriculum:

 National Education Policy encourages sexual and reproductive health education, but
implementation varies by state.
 Some programs (like Adolescent Education Program) include puberty, reproductive
health, and HIV prevention.

Negative / Restrictive Points:

1. Inconsistent coverage: Many schools skip or minimize sex education.

2. Cultural taboo: Discussions about contraception, sexual orientation, and relationships
are often avoided.
3. Parental objections: Some parents oppose sex education in schools.
4. Teacher preparedness: Lack of training can reduce effectiveness of programs.

Source: UNICEF India – Adolescent Education

Switzerland

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks with counseling; later if there is a risk to the
woman's health. (Wikipedia)
 Sex Education: Comprehensive, starting from primary school, covering topics like
consent, relationships, and sexual health.

Denmark

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 18 weeks; no parental consent required for minors aged
15–17. (Wikipedia)
 Sex Education: Mandatory, inclusive, and covers consent, contraception, and sexual
rights.

Iraq

 Abortion: Illegal under most circumstances; penalties include imprisonment and fines.
(Wikipedia)
 Sex Education: Limited and not widely implemented due to cultural and religious
factors.

Republic of Korea (South Korea)

  Abortion: Decriminalized as of January 2021; no gestational limits specified.
(Wikipedia)
 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools, focusing on reproductive health and relationships.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

 Abortion: Legal only in cases of risk to the woman's life or fetal defects; otherwise, it's
criminalized. (Wikipedia)
 Sex Education: Limited and inconsistent, often lacking comprehensive coverage.

Pakistan

 Abortion: Permitted under Islamic law before the fetus develops organs; penalties
include imprisonment and fines. (Guttmacher Institute)
 Sex Education: Minimal and often avoided in schools due to cultural and religious
sensitivities.

China

 Abortion: Widely accessible and legal; no nationwide gestational limits, though some
provinces impose restrictions after 14 weeks. (Wikipedia)
 Sex Education: Limited and inconsistent; varies by region and often lacks
comprehensive coverage.

Myanmar

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; otherwise, it's restricted.

 Sex Education: Limited and varies by region; often lacks comprehensive coverage.

United States of America

 Abortion: Legal in many states; however, access varies significantly due to state-level
restrictions.
 Sex Education: Varies by state; some states mandate comprehensive education, while
others focus on abstinence-only programs.
Bangladesh

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; otherwise, it's restricted.

 Sex Education: Limited and often lacks comprehensive coverage in schools.

Japan

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; requires spousal consent.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Australia

 Abortion: Legal across all states and territories; gestational limits vary by region.
 Sex Education: Comprehensive and inclusive, covering consent, relationships, and
sexual health.

India

 Abortion: Legal up to 24 weeks under specific circumstances; requires medical approval.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; however, implementation varies and often lacks
comprehensive coverage.

Brazil

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; otherwise, it's restricted.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; varies by region and often lacks comprehensive
coverage.

Ukraine

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.
France

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health, consent, and
relationships.

Hungary

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; requires counseling and a waiting period.
 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Saudi Arabia

 Abortion: Permitted under specific circumstances; otherwise, it's restricted.

 Sex Education: Limited and often lacks comprehensive coverage due to cultural and
religious factors.

Russian Federation

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Singapore

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; requires counseling and a waiting period.
 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Malaysia

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; requires medical approval.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; varies by region and often lacks comprehensive
coverage.
Germany

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; requires counseling and a waiting period.
 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Nepal

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Cambodia

 Abortion: Legal under specific circumstances; requires medical approval.

 Sex Education: Limited and often lacks comprehensive coverage in schools.

Belgium

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Iran

 Abortion: Permitted under specific circumstances; otherwise, it's restricted.

 Sex Education: Limited and often lacks comprehensive coverage due to cultural and
religious factors.

Bahamas

 Abortion: Illegal under most circumstances; penalties include imprisonment.

 Sex Education: Limited and often lacks comprehensive coverage in schools.

Argentina

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 14 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.
Thailand

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Sudan

 Abortion: Permitted under specific circumstances; otherwise, it's restricted.

 Sex Education: Limited and often lacks comprehensive coverage due to cultural and
religious factors.

South Africa

 Abortion: Legal on request up to 12 weeks; later if there are medical indications.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health and relationships.

Canada

 Abortion: Legal on request; no gestational limits specified.

 Sex Education: Mandatory in schools; covers reproductive health, consent, and
relationships.

Controversial Countries

1. Iran

Reason: Very strict Islamic laws, abortion mostly illegal, limited women’s rights,
restricted sex education.

Controversy: Frequent protests over women’s freedom and reproductive rights.

2. Iraq

Reason: Abortion is fully banned, very limited sex education, and strong
religious influence.
 Controversy: Women’s rights and reproductive autonomy remain highly
restricted.

3. Pakistan

Reason: Abortion allowed only to save the mother’s life; sex education often
opposed due to religious beliefs.

Controversy: Cultural taboos and lack of clear reproductive rights laws.

4. Saudi Arabia

Reason: Very conservative Islamic laws; abortion allowed only for medical
necessity; strict limits on women’s reproductive freedom.

Controversy: Global criticism for gender inequality and lack of sex education.

5. China

Reason: Abortion is legal but controversial due to past one-child policy and
reports of forced abortions.

Controversy: Government control over reproductive rights and population

policies.

6. Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Reason: Abortion was illegal until 2021; now legal but laws remain unclear.

Controversy: Ongoing debates about how far abortion rights should extend.

7. Russian Federation

Reason: Abortion is legal, but recent political movements aim to restrict it;
limited sex education.

Controversy: Growing government control and conservative pressure against

reproductive rights.

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