Japanese Supreme Court Orders Compensation for Victims of Forced Sterilization
Thousands of disabled Japanese individuals were subjected to forced sterilization surgeries between 1948 and 1996 under a now-defunct eugenics protection law. Recently, Japan’s Supreme Court ruled for the first time that this law violated the constitution and ordered the government to compensate the victims.
The eugenics law was in effect from 1948 to 1996 and permitted the sterilization of individuals with disabilities, mental illnesses, or hereditary disorders without their consent. More than 16,500 people underwent these procedures without their approval.
The court’s decision allows the victims to seek compensation, acknowledging violations of their constitutional rights to bodily autonomy and equality. Japan’s Prime Minister expressed regret over the issue and pledged to meet with the plaintiffs. The government will promptly offer compensation to the victims.
Despite a previous law passed in 2019 to provide compensation, criticism arose regarding the uniform amount set for each person. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court marks a step towards acknowledging and addressing the injustices faced by those who were forcibly sterilized.