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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)

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9 minutes

Last on

Fri 30 Jul 202102:50GMT

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  • Thu 29 Jul 202107:50GMT
  • Thu 29 Jul 202111:50GMT
  • Thu 29 Jul 202117:50GMT
  • Fri 30 Jul 202102:50GMT

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