Japan’s Diet passed a law on Tuesday to compensate victims of forced sterilization surgery under a now-abolished eugenics protection law. Each victim will receive 15 million yen, with spouses also eligible for 5 million yen. The legislation follows a recent court ruling deeming the eugenics law unconstitutional.
A cross-party lawmakers’ group proposed the law, which offers higher damages than previous compensation and includes victims’ spouses. Parliament and the government have issued a formal apology for the violations.
If victims or their spouses have passed away, their relatives can claim compensation. Victims of forced abortion surgery under the eugenics law are also eligible for 2 million yen. The funds will be disbursed upon request, with a five-year deadline for claims.
The eugenics law, enacted from 1948 to 1996, allowed sterilization without consent to prevent perceived genetic “inferiority.” Approximately 25,000 people were sterilized, 16,000 without consent.
The law aims to provide swift compensation without litigation, overseen by a board at the Children and Families Agency. The recent court ruling overturned the statute of limitations for eugenics law cases.
© KYODO