Abstract

Japan possesses a comparable prowess and know-how in medical technology and clinical practice as developed Western nations. Yet, in comparison to these nations, the implementation of the procedure known commonly as Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis in Japan is strikingly limited. This article considers what factors account for this small scale of PGD application. It argues that whilst the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology serves, as many point out, as the gatekeeper to PGD domestically, their conservative stance on the matter of who can avail themselves of this procedure is determined by parts of the disability and feminist groups. To illustrate this, the article draws attention to the interactions of the JSOG with such groups over their proposed expansion of PGD to couples with heritable conditions that have early life onset.