On November 26, Cheong Wa Dae responded to the public petition to legalize abortion and said, “The fetus‘s right to life is a very precious right, but our policy centered on stronger punishment has brought abortion underground causing side effects: people are seeking illegal procedures, paying high costs for the procedures, going oversees to have the procedures and taking risks.”
This day on its website, Cheong Wa Dae released a video in response to the public’s petition. Cheong Wa Dae responds to petitions that gain the support of more than 200,000 people in thirty days, and over 230,000 people supported this petition.
Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Cho Kuk responded saying, “Along with the women‘s right to self-determination, we must also discuss the possible violation of the women’s right to life and their right to health in the process of illegal abortion procedures.”

In other words, since under the current legislation, there are serious side effects, such as illegal abortion and the infringement of women‘s rights, unlike the purpose of the legislation, a social discourse on abortion is necessary.
Cho said, “The problem is that under the current legislation, the women are the only ones with legal responsibility. The responsibility of the state and men is nowhere present.” He stressed, “We are now at a stage where a social discussion that goes beyond the confrontation between the fetus and the woman, between a complete ban and the complete legalization of abortion is necessary.”
Cho introduced cases where women were aware of their pregnancy after the break up with their partners, during a divorce, or when they were unable to raise the child due to unemployment or disease, and said, “Currently, it is a crime to have an abortion in these cases.” He further said, “Recently, Pope Francis said we must seek a new balance on abortion. I hope our society can also find a new balance due to the latest petition.” He implied that we should think about whether it is desirable to see abortion in the three cases mentioned as a crime.
Cheong Wa Dae plans to resume an abortion survey, which was suspended after 2010, next year. This is based on views that discussions on this issue can only make progress when based on an accurate survey of the current abortion status and reasons for abortion. In addition, the government will also promote supplementary measures concerning abortion, such as strengthening sex education of teenagers, providing socio-economic support for single mothers, and promoting adoption.
Cheong Wa Dae also emphasized the role of the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly. Cho said, “Currently, the Constitutional Court is once again deliberating the issue of abortion. We expect the legislative body, which oversees amendments, to review this issue as well.”