Following the Tokyo District Court's ruling in the "Maternity Is Not My Body's Purpose" lawsuit, the legal team issued a statement on March 17.

The ruling noted that the provisions of the Maternal Health Act concerning sterilization surgery "lack rationality," and that Article 13 of the Constitution guarantees women "reproductive autonomy with respect to contraception" — marking an important step forward in advancing the protection of the right to reproductive self-determination.

However, as the unconstitutionality of the provisions was not recognized and all claims were dismissed, the plaintiffs filed an immediate appeal on the same day.

In response, the legal team issued the following statement: "We are committed to fighting through the appeals process, working in solidarity with all those who wish to see the voices of those affected reach the courts and society, toward the realization of a world in which every person can freely make decisions about their own body and reproduction."

Please support the lawsuit

Since its filing in February 2024, the "Maternity Is Not My Body's Purpose" lawsuit has been made possible by the support of many people. We would be grateful for your continued support as we work toward a society in which every individual can freely make their own decisions about their body and reproduction.