Conclusion

In retrospect, the birth control movement—pioneered by Kato Shizue, as influenced by Margaret Sanger—was successful in implementing and legalizing contraceptive methods, which ultimately ensured basic reproductive health rights for women in Japan. However, one may argue that the quest for birth control has still not ended today. 21st century Japan still faces the problem of inaccessibility of contraceptive pills, the increase of abortions and the existence of sexually transmitted diseases. Nevertheless, the first step was the hardest. The birth control movement in Japan has left a notable legacy to the country—politically, culturally, and socially—for introducing an unfrequented concept of contraception. Because of the efforts of the pioneers of the movement, including Kato, women in Japan today are able to take charge of their bodies and enjoy the reproductive health rights that women in the past were deprived of.