Citation

Oaks L. Womens Stud. Int. Forum 1994; 17(5): 511-523.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0277-5395(94)00036-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Despite a high incidence of abortion and a declining birthrate in Japan, there is not a large or well-supported pro-life movement there. Due to the Japanese concept of fetal spirithood, the American abortion rights discourse, which centers on the rights of women versus the rights of the fetus, is not salient in Japan. Focusing on the context of Japan, this article explores the history of abortion as culturally acceptable birth control, religious rituals performed to appease demands made by aborted fetuses' spirits, and the incidence of mother-child homicide-suicide. © 1994.

Language: en