LAWS RELATED TO THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN'S HEALTH IN JAPAN

The protection of the health of women, who share the basic role of giving birth to and raising children, is important in all societies. This protection also has a tremendous influence on the development of the next generation. The primary legislation with regard to protection of the health of women in Japan is the Maternal and Child Health Act. This Act seeks to protect pregnant women to ensure the birth of healthy children. For working women, the Labor Standards Act provides specific legislation to protect the health of those who fall pregnant. The health of girls, up to school-leaving age, is protected by the School Health & Safety Act. In addition, the protection of children in an abusive environment falls under sphere of the Child Abuse Prevention Act. For women past puberty, the Maternal Protection Act covers the option to either continue or terminate pregnancies. The Domestic Violence Prevention Act provides women with protection from spousal violence, while, for the elderly, the Long-Term Care Insurance Act ensures protection for women as they approach the end of their lives. In this way, women are afforded protection by one or more pieces of legislation in order to ensure uninterrupted health throughout their life. Few women face situations in which they become aware of these Acts in daily life. An interest in the revision of these laws, in response to social change, can be seen to be closely connected to the reinforcement of the protection of women's health.