ProLife

Tragically, abortion isn't confined to the so-called Western World. They happen around the clock, around the globe. Come with us as we trace the trail of this life-robbing practise in different countries.

Japan
by Mary Lynn Davison, courtesy of Silent Voices

Abortion has been legal in Japan since 1947. Most women in Japan undergo abortion because they believe they have a "social duty" to birth only one or two children - having more is considered "socially irresponsible." At the same time, Japan has not approved the use of most forms of birth control - with the exception of condoms, and the rhythm method - so Japanese women continue to become pregnant, and "participate in abortion with regret - a sense of defeat - accepting the killing of their children as an unavoidable evil."

A whole industry has blossomed to accommodate the grief and depression experienced after an abortion. "Grieving ceremonies" (known as "Misuko Kuyo") are performed for the families of the aborted. The ritual begins as a monk meets the grieving parents and family, burns incense, chants and rings bells. Ritual prayers are said to make amends to the aborted baby, and to implore the Kannon goddess to transport their baby's abandoned soul across the abyss to its final resting place. The Japanese believe that parents must pray for the soul of their aborted children so that the aborted babies may enter "heaven." Otherwise the baby's spirit will curse the mother and the family causing misfortune, such as accidents, divorce and job loss.

Grief stricken parents rent Buddha statues (called "Misuko Jizo," which means fetus) at local temples, for from a few hundred dollars to over one thousand dollars per year, depending on the size and quality of the statue. Some parents dress their "baby" in seasonal clothing and bring gifts which they leave at the foot of the statue. Knitted caps and coats, raincoats, small doll-like umbrellas, scarves and baby clothing adorn some statues. Bottles of milk and baby juice, small toy trucks and necklaces adorn others. Flowers, baby bibs and personal letters written by sorrowing parents decorate these representations of lost life. Still others stand nakedly plain, yet not alone.

Visit the Silent Voices website

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