10 Sexual and reproductive health and rights denied for migrant women in Japan

Abstract PTH 5: Exclusion and Discrimination, B307 (FCSH), September 4, 2025, 15:15 - 16:09 This study examines the barriers Asian migrant women face in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Japan, mainly focusing on contraception and abortion services. Drawing on survey data from 536 migrants originating from China, Vietnam, Nepal, Indonesia, and Myanmar, it employs the 4A framework—Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, and Acceptability—to systematically analyse service gaps. Findings highlight challenges within Japan’s immigration policies, including pregnancy-related discrimination against technical intern trainees and international students studying at language schools, often leading to forced repatriation or loss of jobs. The lack of multilingual support, high costs, and limited contraceptive and abortion options further exacerbate these issues. Approximately 17.6% of surveyed women reported unintended pregnancies, with reliance on less reliable contraceptive methods such as condoms, withdrawal, and rhythm methods, significantly increasing post-migration. The limited availability of modern, long-term methods like implants and injections forces some women to resort to unapproved or illegal alternatives. Japan’s legal and institutional barriers, such as spousal consent requirements for abortion and the absence of over-the-counter emergency contraceptive, disproportionately affect migrant women. Language and cultural barriers amplify psychological distress, while the high costs of contraceptives and abortion services drive some women to seek care abroad or resort to unsafe methods. The study recommends revising immigration and health policies to ensure equitable SRHR access for all women in Japan. Key proposals include expanding contraceptive and abortion service options, improving affordability through insurance coverage, and ensuring culturally and linguistically inclusive healthcare services. These measures are essential to address the systemic inequities faced by migrant women and align Japan’s SRHR framework with global standards.