Government to help forced sterilization victims

May 30 , 2019

Yamaguchi called for speedy reparations for forced sterilization victims on May 29Yamaguchi called for speedy reparations for forced sterilization victims on May 29

On May 29, Komeito Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi spoke at the party’s House of Councillors general meeting, where he declared that the government must fulfill its responsibility in extending prompt assistance to women who were forcibly sterlized under a now abolished law that was in effect from 1948 to 1996.

Under the former Eugenic Protection Act, surgical sterlization was mandatory for women who suffered from serious genetic disorders, but done solely at the physician’s discretion and without the patient’s consent. Lepers were also subject to the same treatment.

While a number of surviving patients have since come forth to sue the government, many remain unable to file suit due to various reasons, Yamaguchi explained. He said that it was imperative to do everything in the government’s power to meet their claims as expeditiously as possible. Under a relief law passed recently, the administration led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has agreed to provide financial restitution, but Komeito is calling for steps to broaden public awareness of the law and to expand the pace of reparations.