Religion​—How Strong a Deterrent?

Japan is basically a Buddhist country. Buddhist teaching includes respect for life, even of the unborn. How is it, then, that abortion is so easily obtainable?

When the priests at 10 Buddhist temples were interviewed, they generally expressed themselves like this: Abortion is considered wrong, a sin. It is taking life and destroying it. But since abortion is legal in Japan, it is felt that open or firm opposition to the practice would stir up “unnecessary trouble.” So silence is observed.

One priest mimeographed a tract and circulated it among members of the temple. The tract opposed abortion. However, when asked what would be done if a member had an abortion anyway, the answer was: ‘The person would be lectured on the wrong that was committed and sternly told to refrain from such in the future.’ And what if the offense was repeated? Would excommunication follow? ‘No, such drastic action would not be taken,’ was the answer. The offender would be asked to take certain steps to amend or seek forgiveness by rituals.

As an example of the kind of action suggested in order to be absolved, some months ago 21 Buddhist temples in Numazu City sponsored an advertisement for an “Aborted Child Memorial Jizo.” (“Jizo” is the patron saint of children.) It offered a stone image for $354 (U.S.) or a smaller version of it for $77, before which prayers were to be offered for having had an abortion. Does that really encourage one to avoid the sin?

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Buddhist teaching includes respect for life of the unborn. Priests in Japan agree that abortion is wrong. But they are generally quiet about it so as not to stir up “unnecessary trouble.” And if anyone gets an abortion​—well, it can be overlooked