Police in Busan booked a 30-year-old woman and her gynecologist for conducting an abortion three years ago. The 41-year-old doctor removed a two-month-old fetus from the woman in April 2007. The woman's boyfriend reported it to the police.

Currently, abortion is only allowed in restricted circumstances. These include pregnancies through incest or rape and critical threats to the mother's life. The procedure is allowed only during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Healthy women who undergo elective abortions face up to one year in prison or a fine of two million won. Doctors performing the abortion may be subjected to up to two years behind bars.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr