Oral contraceptives and women's health in Japan

Japan approved the use of low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) in June 1999, after more than 35 years of debate, The debate leaves a legacy of misinform ation about and various sources of resistance to OCs. Benefits are expected to include greater control for women over their fertility and a reduction in the high rates of unplanned pregnancies and abortions, Successful implem entation of the new policy will require a new emphasis on women's health, i ncluding the provision of accurate information about OCs and their associat ed adverse effects, a women-centered approach to gynecological practice, an d the promotion of condoms as protection from sexually transmitted diseases , rather than as contraception alone.