Eighth Proposal ーーA Systemic Reform for Mothers' Lifelong Well-beingーー

This proposal critiques the systemic negligence of treating childbirth-related physical and psychological changes as “natural sacrifices” or matters of “personal responsibility,” and calls for new frameworks of social compensation for irreversible maternal damage. Pregnancy and childbirth often result in long-term or lifelong consequences—such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary dysfunction, chronic pain, abdominal muscle separation, postpartum depression, and loss of economic independence. Yet Japan lacks a permanent compensation system. Existing schemes, such as lump-sum childbirth allowances and parental leave benefits, are limited to certain categories of employed women, while reconstructive or functional treatments are often classified as “cosmetic” and excluded from insurance coverage. This proposal advocates for childbirth injury compensation payments, expanded medical subsidies, insurance coverage for reconstructive procedures, and lifelong pension-like benefits for all women who give birth. By redefining childbirth as a fundamental contribution to national survival rather than a private burden, this proposal presents an ethical and sustainable approach to restoring dignity to motherhood and addressing demographic decline.