On July 29, Catholic and Protestant clergy held a press conference at the National Assembly Members' Office Building to address the government's plan to introduce abortion pills without a corresponding revision to the law. They argued that the move "not only destroys the lives of fetuses but also causes serious side effects for women's health," and solemnly urged the government and the National Assembly to halt the authorization of abortion pills.
Bishop Moon Chang-woo (Bishop of the Diocese of Jeju), Chairman of the Committee for Family and Life, issued a statement of protest, pointing out that "national leaders, who ought to protect life, have accepted the loss of life as a fait accompli and discussed only the administrative means to facilitate it," adding that they have fallen into a state of "severe moral insensitivity."
Bishop Moon went on to criticize the legislative vacuum that has persisted for seven years following the Constitutional Court's 2019 ruling of "incompatibility with the Constitution" regarding the abortion ban. He stated, "Harmonizing the fetus's right to life with women's right to health is a moral task our society must resolve." He further remarked, "Yet, the current government dismisses this as a 'complicated and noisy issue' and, mindful of votes, seeks to take a shortcut—a stopgap measure—by authorizing the drug." Bishop Moon urged the government and the National Assembly to take several measures: promptly amend the Criminal Act regarding the crime of abortion; introduce effective mandatory waiting periods and counseling; respect the conscience of medical professionals and institutionalize a system identifying hospitals that refuse to perform abortions; regulate the indiscriminate distribution of abortion drugs; strengthen shared parental responsibility for pregnancy and childbirth; and establish practical measures ensuring safe childbirth and child-rearing.
Co-President of the United Christian Churches of Korea (UCCK), emphasized, “During a cabinet meeting last July, President Lee Jae-myung instructed government ministries to authorize abortion drugs—leaving the matter to the conscience and discretion of doctors—without a legislative amendment.” He added, “Neglecting the Constitutional Court’s mandate to amend the Criminal Act and disregarding the National Assembly’s legislative authority through the excessive exercise of administrative power undermines the constitutional principles of the separation of powers and the rule of law.” Rev. Jeong expressed concern, stating, “Amidst the serious issue of suicide, if euthanasia bills are passed and even late-term abortions are permitted, our society will face uncontrollable chaos due to a disregard for the value of life.”
Rep. Yoon Yong-geun (People Power Party) stated, “A fetus is the smallest and weakest citizen in the world, and protecting it is the very reason the state exists.” He continued, “Life is not a matter of efficiency or political gain or loss; the state’s duty is to establish systems for counseling, medical care, and financial support so that women in despair due to crisis pregnancies do not have to bear the entire burden alone.” Rep. Cho Bae-sook, from the same party, also remarked, “Every person begins as a fetus,” adding, “Protecting life is a fundamental principle of our society.”
Attendees at the press conference included the Executive Secretary of the Committee for the Pro-Life Movement of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea and Secretary General of the UCCK. The leadership of both religious groups pledged continued solidarity, and Representative Yoon reportedly expressed an intention to consider introducing a bill regarding the matter.
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