Modern Contraceptives
Oral Pill
Condom
IUD IUS
<They are not approved for use in Japan>
Injectable Contraception
contraceptive implant
contraceptive Ring
Spermcide
Contraceptive patch
Diaphram
the Comparison in Contraception
Use and Availabilityin the Industrialized Countries
WHO Essential Medicine http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/20th_EML2017_FINAL_amendedAug2017.pdf?ua=1
GreenBox: For Free
Right Blue Box: Less than $5/month
Blue Box: Less than $10/ month
Reliable Website: The website run by the government and non-profit.
Site:
Summary of FACTS
①
the number of approved types of contraceptives is very limited in Japan!
②
In Japan
the cheapest women-centered contraceptive is
available from $20 per month.
In contrast, most other industrialized countries offer cheaper contraceptives
in range of $5 per month or even for free!
According to the survey,
the average amount of pocket money of high school student in Japan is $50 per month
University students usually spend around $80 for social expenses per month.
So, spending $20 or $30 is neither easy nor feasible for young people in Japan.
③
Contraceptive pills are covered by the national insurance
only when they are used for reducing menstrual symptoms
like heavy period or cramps,,
but not for the birth control.
Privacy&National Insurance
Every Japanese citizen is entitled to comprehensive national insurance.
. When we go to the clinic,
we usual present the insurance card. This is a significant factor why young people may hesitate to go to the clinic, because they do not want parents to find out/
If you visit clinic and if it's covered by the national insurance, later on the letter about
what clinics you visited and money you spent, will be sent to each house.
As a result, young people's privacy can be easily violated.
Also, some clinic require to present insurance card even when
their services are not covered by the insurance.
So, many of young people get anxious if somehow the record of visiting clinic will be found by their parents. In fact, there are so many questions like this on the internet.
④
While Plan-B is available over the counter in pharmacy for affordable price in most countries,
we need the prescription and it costs around $100~200,
even you are underage.
Also, during weekends, the number of places you can get emergency pill, is very limited and can be more expensive.
In Japan, there is no place like nationwide 'youth clinic' or 'sexual health clinic'
So usually, girl/women visit to gynecologist while boy/men visit urologist.
Because it's not common for young girls to visit gynecologist in Japan,
it can be a big challenge for them.
⑤
In Japan
it's hard to get reliable&evidence-based information
about sexual health,
because there is no official website about sexual health
run by the government agencies or NGOs.
⑥
Like contraceptive injection or implant,
most of them are listed on the WHO List of Essential Medicines
BUT WE DON'T HAVE THEM YET.
WHAT WE NEED
from the WORLD
THE WAKE UP CALL
for
Contraception as Human Rights & Basic Needs!
The meaning of 'Nande-Naino' is 'why don't we have it?'
Intentionally, we have chosen the word 'contraception' in the title of this project .
That is because, we think, once we use this word,
it's going to become much more difficult for some girls to share this project on their Timeline or other electronic applications.
In Japanese society,
the women-centered contraception is still perceived as something only for
girls who have lot of sex (which is taboo topic)
and not for 'normal' and 'good' girls.
However, it's not true at all!
That belief is just stigma labeling women who use contraception.
Just the opposite,
Contraception is
the basic need to plan responsibly their life
& our human right.
In fact,
when you see the number of abortion per 1000 people for each age,
It's too obvious that the main group having abortion is
young people, under 24.
But it's natural once we think how difficult to get contraception
especially for young people in Japan!
Today's situation
must be changed as soon as possible!
So,
Please share the situation in your country,
Please tell us your experience,
Please tell us we are not alone
Please say it out loud,
it's totally ok to use contraception
and it's our human right to use contraception in this modern world!
We have to fight against stigma
One's belief should not take over other's rights.
To do that, we need your voice.
JOIN US
#Japan Needs Contraception
Abortion Rate ( /1000) 2015