TOKYO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Japan began trial sales of "morning-after pills" over the counter on Tuesday as the country takes a major step towards making the emergency contraception drugs available without a doctor's prescription.
The so-called "morning-after pills," which can prevent unwanted pregnancies to a certain extent if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, are now sold at 145 drug stores across Japan at prices ranging from around 7,000 yen (about 47 U.S. dollars) to 9,000 yen (about 61 dollars), according to the health ministry.
Women aged 16 and older who have agreed to cooperate with the investigative trial can purchase the drugs, while 16- and 17-year-olds need a parent or guardian's approval.
Drug stores selected for the study must meet certain conditions, such as having trained pharmacists able to provide pills at night, on weekends and on holidays, as well as a private consultation room.
Purchasers will be asked to answer questionnaires, which will be used in the study.
Before the trial, women in Japan, including victims of sexual assault, had to go to a clinic or hospital for a prescription to obtain an emergency contraceptive. ■