April 19, 2024

IN BRIEF: India; Susan Torres; parthenotes

  • India has decided to empower women by making the morning-after pill an over-the-counter drug and reducing its price with government subsidies. Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss explained that “more than 100 countries have made ECPs (emergency contraceptive pills) an OTC drug. China is making it available through vending machines. This is our way to empower women in India.” The decision was made to avoid unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.