Category: Forced Sterilization

” ‘ I want the country to apologize’ A couple in their 70s who have hearing impairments in Osaka prefecture file a lawsuit on January 30th, alleging that they were forced to undergo infertility surgery under the former eugenics protection law, violating their right to pursue of happiness, guaranteed by Article 13 of the Constitution. They filed a lawsuit seeking damages totaling 22 million yen at the Osaka District Court..”

“ ‘Your first child has a disability. (The second) will not grow up properly, either.’

“Two of Japan’s largest psychiatric societies will carry out investigations of their connection to the “unfortunate history” of forced sterilization surgeries on those with intellectual disabilities or mental illnesses carried out under the eugenic protection law.”

Plaintiffs are acting names of both Mr. Takaji Kobayashi (86) and Ms. Kimiko (86) in Akashi-shi, Aichi Prefecture, and Tatsuo Takao and Mrs. Namie in their 70s living in the prefecture. In September this year, two pairs have filed a lawsuit as the deaf blockers for the first time.

In the court of the day, Mr. Takaru appealed in sign language that “My dream of giving birth to a child was cut off, I regretted my teeth had been feeling frustrated.”

According to the complaint, Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi were aborted and sterilized without explanation immediately after marriage for 60 years. Mr. and Mrs. Takao were infertile surgery without explanation just before marriage in 1968.

The plaintiffs allege that the Constitution guaranteed by the old law infringed the right to pursue happiness and reproductive rights (sexual and reproductive rights).

Over the old law, a total of 15 people have filed suit in six nationwide districts so far. Discrimination has already begun in Tokyo, Sendai, Osaka etc.

“When the guardian of a woman ordered to be sterilized sought nullification of the decision by the local eugenic protection council in July 1965, the panel turned down the complaint on the grounds that the guardian “did not have sufficient understanding of the law.” ”

“The 75-year-old man, now using the name of Saburo Kita is the fifth defendant to reveal his face among 13 who are suing the government over the sterilization procedure under the old law, and is a joint representative of a victims’ organization. The third hearing of his damages trial is scheduled to take place at the Tokyo District Court on Dec. 20.”