Press Conference:
Even with state of emergency lifted, Japan maintains severe restrictions on pregnant women
Yoko Sagara
Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Taeko Yamada
Babycome representative
15:00 - 16:00, October 27, 2020
(The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation.)
* Pregnant women, mothers and father are joining this event online.
Covid-19 infections dropped so significantly in Japan that the government lifted the national state of emergency – and yet the country's restrictions on pregnant women remain some of the strictest in the world. About 80% of Japanese hospitals banfathers and partners - because of concerns about coronavirus, according to the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. That means women must labor and give birth alone and parents miss the birth of their children.
Some hospitals are also mandating that women have inductions or cesareansections so they can be given PCR tests before the birth. Others are separating mothers and babies and discouraging breastfeeding.
This practice remains despite guidance from international health authorities, including the WHO, CDC, UNFPA, American Medical Association and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), which have all said that even during the coronavirus crisis, women should be allowed a support person because it relieves stress, helps healthcare workers respond to emergencies and reduces the chance of complications for the baby.
A petition calling on Japan's hospitals and health authorities to lift the ban on labor support people received nearly 1,000 signatures. A similar petition in New York persuaded the governor to change a similarpolicy.
How to attend:
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, name of media outlet, FCCJ membership number. Due to space restrictions, please note there will be a limited number of reservations to attend. Doors open at 14:30. Please sign in your name and contact details at the reception with your own pen and to have your temperature taken before proceeding.
How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8K6odES9H0wSq71vppauA/live
Livestreaming of the press events will be available and video of this event will be uploaded to our FCCJ YouTube channel.
How to ask questions:https://forms.gle/Lp8CYtr5tRMSRU9d6
Members watching the event online can submit questions for the speakers in advance using this submission form (English only).
TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Door open for TV crews only at 14:15. There will be five positions available for livestreaming.
Professional Activities Committee