Main content

Fighting for the pill in Japan

The pill was legalised in Japan in 1999. In contrast, the male impotency drug Viagra was approved for use in just six months and legalised before the contraceptive pill for women.

After decades of campaigning in Japan, the pill was finally legalised in 1999. In contrast the male impotency drug Viagra was approved for use in just six months, and legalised before the contraceptive pill for women. Politician Yoriko Madoka pushed hard for the right to take the pill and told Rebecca Kesby that sexism and male dominance in Parliament is why it took so long.

(Photo: A collection of contraceptive pills. Getty Images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Thu 14 May 202003:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Wed 13 May 202007:50GMT
  • Wed 13 May 202011:50GMT
  • Wed 13 May 202017:50GMT
  • Thu 14 May 202003:50GMT

Podcast