Description
Book SynopsisWhy has postwar Japanese abortion policy been relatively progressive, while contraception policy has been relatively conservative? The Japanese government legalized abortion in 1948 but did not approve the pill until 1999. This study argues that these contradictory policies flowed from different historical circumstances.
Trade Review"A thorough history of the shifting historical circumstances and the interest-group configurations that have affected birth control policies since World War II."--Elise K. Tipton, American Historical Review
Table of ContentsIllustrations ix Preface xi Abbreviations xv CHAPTER ONE: Introduction 3 CHAPTFR TWO: The Politics of interests 12 CHAPTER THREE: For the Good of the Nation: Prewar Abortion and Contraception Policy 22 CHAPTFR FOUR: Japan Legalizes Abortion: The Intersection of National and Professional interests 36 CHAPTER FIVE: The Politics of Abortion: Movements to Revise the Eugenic Protection Law (1952-2000) 53 CHAPTER SIX: Abortion before Birth Control: Japanese Contraception Policy (1945-1960) 83 CHAPTER SEVEN: The Politics of the Pill (1955-2000) 103 CRAPTER EIGHT: Conclusion 133 Appendix 139 Notes 159 Bibliography 217 Index 233
