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Patriarchy, Paternalism, and Politics of Reproductive Autonomy: Abortion Rights in Japan

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Sustainability, Diversity, and Equality: Key Challenges for Japan

Part of the book series: Science Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Science ((SACH,volume 13))

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Abstract

While Japan ranks relatively high in overall health indicators with life expectancy and healthcare coverage, a plethora of problems exist when it comes to reproductive health. With the lack of comprehensive sexuality education, youth are at risk of experiencing sexual activity without essential knowledge. Furthermore, the dearth of access to reliable and affordable contraceptives, as well as the social stigma and various hurdles to obtain an abortion, impede women from exercising their sexual and reproductive autonomy. Focusing on the politics surrounding abortion, this chapter examines the structural mechanisms that obstruct people’s access to essential reproductive healthcare service. I argue that patriarchal notions in policy, conservative approach in education, and paternalism in medicine, along with the lack of respect for sexual and reproductive health and rights in all three fields, curtail people’s ability to exercise their agency in reproduction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan

    Eiko Saeki

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  1. Eiko Saeki
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Correspondence to Eiko Saeki .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology and Anthropology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA

    Kimiko Tanaka

  2. Faculty Associate and Science Librarian (retired), Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, USA

    Helaine Selin

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Saeki, E. (2023). Patriarchy, Paternalism, and Politics of Reproductive Autonomy: Abortion Rights in Japan. In: Tanaka, K., Selin, H. (eds) Sustainability, Diversity, and Equality: Key Challenges for Japan. Science Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Science, vol 13. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-36331-3_3

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