Aging with Cerebral Palsy, Dying with Cerebral Palsy: Insights on a More Inclusive Society
Main Article Content
Abstract
If everyone can freely decide for themselves on how to live, where to learn, and how to die without discrimination and decisions forced by others, only then would we achieve a true inclusive society. This paper is not written from a medical standpoint, but focuses on a vision towards a more inclusive society through the eyes of the co-author, an activist with cerebral palsy who fought for disability rights throughout her life. In previous paper, we discussed how living with people with childhood disabilities can make the world more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.1 This paper is a continuation and advancement of that discussion. On July 3, 2024, the Japanese Supreme Court ruled the Japanese government guilty of violating the Japanese constitution in the inhuman forced sterilization of over 25,000 estimated victims under the Eugenic Protection Act. Our disability colleagues finally accomplished reparation from the national government. We felt this was an opportune time to revisit the roots of the Japanese Eugenic Protection Act. This search took us to the memorials of the Killing Centers in Hadamar near Frankfurt, Germany, and Hartheim, a suburb of Linz, Austria where we learned in depth about the Nazi eugenic ideology and the historical crime against people with disabilities. These Killing Centers were the starting point of all of the Nazi genocide that followed. Combining our newly gained insight, the lifelong experience of the co-author, and our observations of the care our parents required at the end of their lives, we have some thoughts to share on important human rights issues regarding disabilities.
Keywords:
Internalized Eugenic Ideology, Eugenic Protection Act, Aging, Nazi Killing Center, Cerebral Palsy, Disabilities, Human Rights, Inclusive Society.
Article Details
How to Cite
FURUI, Toru; FURUI, Masayo.
Aging with Cerebral Palsy, Dying with Cerebral Palsy: Insights on a More Inclusive Society.
Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 13, n. 9, sep. 2025.
ISSN 2375-1924.
Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/6573>. Date accessed: 05 dec. 2025.
doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i9.6573.
Section
Research Articles
The Medical Research Archives grants authors the right to publish and reproduce the unrevised contribution in whole or in part at any time and in any form for any scholarly non-commercial purpose with the condition that all publications of the contribution include a full citation to the journal as published by the Medical Research Archives.
References
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2. Goffman E. Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Touchstone; 1963.
3. Furui M. CP to shite ikirutte omoshiroi! [English translation: Living as a person with CP is interesting!] In: Japan Council on Independent Living Centers, ed. Jiritsuseikatstu Undo to Shogai Bunka [English translation: Independent Living Movement and Disability Culture.] Independent Living Movement and Disability Culture; 2001:364-370.[In Japanese]
4. Murphy RF. Body Silent: The Different World Of The Disabled. W. W. Norton & Company; 2001.
5. Government of Japan. National Eugenics Act (Kokumin Yūsei Hō). Law No. 107 of 1940. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://hourei.ndl.go.jp/simple/detail?lawId=0000030137¤t.
6. House of Representatives of Japan. Eugenic Protection Act, Law No. 156 of 1948, Chapter II: Eugenic Surgery, Article 3. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_housei.nsf/html/houritsu/00219480713156.htm.
7. Takeshima T, Okazaki N, Mino S. Shujyutsu kensuu no ooi todoufuken no haikeiyouin no kentou “Yuuseiogohoka ni Okeru Seishinnka Iryou Oyobi Seishinnkai no Hatashita Yakuwari ni Kansuru Kenkyuhoukoku” [English translation: Examination of background factors in prefectures with a high number of surgeries. In: Research Report on the Role of Psychiatry and Psychiatrists under the Eugenic Protection Act.] Tokyo, Japan: The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology; 2000:38-43. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uploads/files/activity/houkoku_all_r.pdf
8. Aizawa J. Historical background of establishment of colony, large-scale institution for people with disabilities. Kobe Gakuin University Journal of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Research. 2015;10(2):15-23. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.reha.kobegakuin.ac.jp/~rehgakai/journal/files/no10-2/ronbun02.pdf
9. Onoue K. Naikakufu Shougaisyaseido Kaikaku Dai 19 Kai Suisinkaigi Onoue Iin Teisyutsu Shiryo Syougaisya Kihonho Dai3shou Shyougai no Yoboukanren “Fukou na Kodomo no Umarenai Kenminundou” ni tsuite no Shiryo [English translation: Materials on the "Movement to Prevent the Birth of Unfortunate Children" related to Chapter 3 (Prevention of Disability) of the Basic Law for Persons with Disabilities. Submitted to the 19th Meeting of the Council for the Promotion of Reform of the Disability System]. Cabinet Office; 2010. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www8.cao.go.jp/shougai/suishin/kaikaku/s_kaigi/k_20/pdf/o1.pdf
10. Shima M. Shyakai ya Kazoku no kouzouhenka to shyakaifukusi no tenkai [English translation: Changes in social and family structures and the development of social welfare]. In: Hyogo Prefecture 150th Anniversary: Hyogo Prefecture History – The Past 50 Years. Part 1, Chapter 6. Hyogo Prefectural Government; 2023:439-440. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://web.pref.hyogo.lg.jp/kk32/documents/kenshi_dai1_30.pdf
11. Okazaki N. Miyagiken ni okeru Yuseihogoho no unyou to sono haikei [English translation: Operation of the Eugenic Protection Law in Miyagi Prefecture and its background]. In: Research Report on the Role of Psychiatry and Psychiatrists under the Eugenic Protection Act. Tokyo, Japan: The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology; 2000:290-299. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uploads/files/activity/houkoku_all_r.pdf
12. Maternal Health Act (Act No. 156 of 1948). Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=80120000&dataType=0&pageNo=1
13. Yoshizawa C. The right and the quality of life of the unborn child -Who has the right to control the quality of life of the unborn child?-. Bulletin of the Graduate School of Socio-Information Studies, Nihon University. 2003;4:51-62. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://gssc.dld.nihon-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/journal/pdf04/5-51-2003-Yoshizawa.pdf
14. Morioka M. Yuusei Hogohou kaisei wo meguru seimeirinri [English translation: Bioethics surrounding the revision of the Eugenic Protection Act]. Journal of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies. 1997;16:211–224. doi:10.15055/00000780. [in Japanese].
15. Asaka Y. Inochini Okuru Chojirituron: Subeteno Karada ha Hyakuten Manten [English translation:Super-Autonomy Theory as a Gift to Life: Every Body Is Perfect]. Tokyo: Tarojirosha Editors; 2009. [in Japanese].
16. House of Representatives, Japan. “Kyu Yusei Hogo Ho ni Motozuku Yusei Shujutsu tou o Uketa Mono ni Taisuru Ichijikin no Shikyu tou ni Kansuru Houritsu Dai 21-jo ni Motozuku Chousa Houkokusho" Dai 1-hen: Kyu Yusei Hogo Ho no Rippoukatei. Dai 4-sho: Kyu Yusei Hogo Ho Kaisei tou no Ugoki. 3: Fukou na Kodomo no Umarenai Undo no Tenkai. (3) Fukou na Kodomo no Umarenai Undo he no Hantai Undo. [English translation: Report Based on Article 21 of the Act on the Payment of Lump-Sum Compensation to Persons Subjected to Eugenic Surgeries Under the Former Eugenic Protection Act. Part 1: Legislative Process of the Former Eugenic Protection Act. Chapter 4: Movements for the Revision of the Former Act. Section 3: Development of the “Movement to Prevent the Birth of Unfortunate Children.” Subsection (3): Opposition to the Movement.] 2024:209. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.shugiin.go.jp/140yuusei_houkokusho_1-4
17. Takayama K, Hamano A. The Present Situation and Future of Women with Handicaps: Through the Shift from the Eugenic Protection Law to the Law for the Protection of Mothers' Bodies. (Maternal Health Act) Bulletin of the Faculty of Education, Yokohama National University. 1997;37:125–133. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://ynu.repo.nii.ac.jp/records/899
18. Yamamoto K. Society for Seeking an Apology for Eugenic Surgery, ed. Yuseishujutsu ni Taisuru Shyazai wo Motomerukai [English translaton: The Crimes Committed by the Eugenic Protection Law: Testimonies of People Deprived of Having Children [Revised and Expanded Edition]. Gendai-Shokann; 2018:241–245. ISBN 978-4-7684-5827-3. [in Japanese].
19. Onuma I. A reflexion on the "economic reasons" clause of the Eugenic Protection Law. Comparative Japanese Studies and Education Research Annual. 2018;14:168–173. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://teapot.lib.ocha.ac.jp/records/41584
20. Supreme Court of Japan. National Compensation Claim Case. Grand Bench Judgment. July 3, 2024. Case No. 1319 (2023). Accessed July 27, 2025. Available from: https://www.courts.go.jp/app/hanrei_en/detail?id=2014
21. Kondo H. Yuuseihou ni mirareru nihonnjinn no rinnrikan [English translation: The ethical view of the Japanese people as seen in eugenics]. Comparative Japanese School Education Research Center Annual Report. 2013;(9):91–95. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. Available from: https://teapot.lib.ocha.ac.jp/record/40900/files/p.91-95.pdf
22. Black E. War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America's Campaign to Create a Master Race. 2nd ed. Dialog Press; 2012. ISBN: 0914153293.
23. George U, ed. Winter B, orig. text; Salmon, Dreimann H, Alford D, Tsuda R, Izumoji E, trans. Transfer to Hadamar: An English Catalogue About the Nazi “Euthanasia” Crimes in Hadamar. Kassel, Germany: Landeswohlfahrtsverband Hessen; 2005:74. ISBN 3-89203-046-4. [in Japanese].
24. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Euthanasia program. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Published July 2, 2021. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/euthanasia-program
25. Gallagher HG. Nagase O, trans. By Trust Betrayed: Patients, Physicians, and the License to Kill in the Third Reich. Tokyo: Gendaishokan; 1996. ISBN: 978-4768457979. [in Japanese].
26. von Galen CA. Sermon by the Bishop of Münster [translated sermon]. Catholic Culture. Published by ChurchinHistory. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=9682
27. Furui T, Furui M. For a sustainable inclusive 21st century: What we must learn from Japanese Eugenic Protection Act. Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity Conference Proceedings. Published 2021. ISSN: 2641-6115. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/10865b4d-0370-47be-9f3e-3fc74ae92ce8/content
28. Natsubori S. A research on the challenged person’s murder case committed by their parents after WWⅡ. Japanese Journal of Social Welfare. 2007;48(1):41–54. doi:10.24469/jssw.48.1_42[in Japanese].
2. Goffman E. Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Touchstone; 1963.
3. Furui M. CP to shite ikirutte omoshiroi! [English translation: Living as a person with CP is interesting!] In: Japan Council on Independent Living Centers, ed. Jiritsuseikatstu Undo to Shogai Bunka [English translation: Independent Living Movement and Disability Culture.] Independent Living Movement and Disability Culture; 2001:364-370.[In Japanese]
4. Murphy RF. Body Silent: The Different World Of The Disabled. W. W. Norton & Company; 2001.
5. Government of Japan. National Eugenics Act (Kokumin Yūsei Hō). Law No. 107 of 1940. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://hourei.ndl.go.jp/simple/detail?lawId=0000030137¤t.
6. House of Representatives of Japan. Eugenic Protection Act, Law No. 156 of 1948, Chapter II: Eugenic Surgery, Article 3. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.shugiin.go.jp/internet/itdb_housei.nsf/html/houritsu/00219480713156.htm.
7. Takeshima T, Okazaki N, Mino S. Shujyutsu kensuu no ooi todoufuken no haikeiyouin no kentou “Yuuseiogohoka ni Okeru Seishinnka Iryou Oyobi Seishinnkai no Hatashita Yakuwari ni Kansuru Kenkyuhoukoku” [English translation: Examination of background factors in prefectures with a high number of surgeries. In: Research Report on the Role of Psychiatry and Psychiatrists under the Eugenic Protection Act.] Tokyo, Japan: The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology; 2000:38-43. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uploads/files/activity/houkoku_all_r.pdf
8. Aizawa J. Historical background of establishment of colony, large-scale institution for people with disabilities. Kobe Gakuin University Journal of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Research. 2015;10(2):15-23. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.reha.kobegakuin.ac.jp/~rehgakai/journal/files/no10-2/ronbun02.pdf
9. Onoue K. Naikakufu Shougaisyaseido Kaikaku Dai 19 Kai Suisinkaigi Onoue Iin Teisyutsu Shiryo Syougaisya Kihonho Dai3shou Shyougai no Yoboukanren “Fukou na Kodomo no Umarenai Kenminundou” ni tsuite no Shiryo [English translation: Materials on the "Movement to Prevent the Birth of Unfortunate Children" related to Chapter 3 (Prevention of Disability) of the Basic Law for Persons with Disabilities. Submitted to the 19th Meeting of the Council for the Promotion of Reform of the Disability System]. Cabinet Office; 2010. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www8.cao.go.jp/shougai/suishin/kaikaku/s_kaigi/k_20/pdf/o1.pdf
10. Shima M. Shyakai ya Kazoku no kouzouhenka to shyakaifukusi no tenkai [English translation: Changes in social and family structures and the development of social welfare]. In: Hyogo Prefecture 150th Anniversary: Hyogo Prefecture History – The Past 50 Years. Part 1, Chapter 6. Hyogo Prefectural Government; 2023:439-440. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://web.pref.hyogo.lg.jp/kk32/documents/kenshi_dai1_30.pdf
11. Okazaki N. Miyagiken ni okeru Yuseihogoho no unyou to sono haikei [English translation: Operation of the Eugenic Protection Law in Miyagi Prefecture and its background]. In: Research Report on the Role of Psychiatry and Psychiatrists under the Eugenic Protection Act. Tokyo, Japan: The Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology; 2000:290-299. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.jspn.or.jp/uploads/uploads/files/activity/houkoku_all_r.pdf
12. Maternal Health Act (Act No. 156 of 1948). Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=80120000&dataType=0&pageNo=1
13. Yoshizawa C. The right and the quality of life of the unborn child -Who has the right to control the quality of life of the unborn child?-. Bulletin of the Graduate School of Socio-Information Studies, Nihon University. 2003;4:51-62. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://gssc.dld.nihon-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/journal/pdf04/5-51-2003-Yoshizawa.pdf
14. Morioka M. Yuusei Hogohou kaisei wo meguru seimeirinri [English translation: Bioethics surrounding the revision of the Eugenic Protection Act]. Journal of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies. 1997;16:211–224. doi:10.15055/00000780. [in Japanese].
15. Asaka Y. Inochini Okuru Chojirituron: Subeteno Karada ha Hyakuten Manten [English translation:Super-Autonomy Theory as a Gift to Life: Every Body Is Perfect]. Tokyo: Tarojirosha Editors; 2009. [in Japanese].
16. House of Representatives, Japan. “Kyu Yusei Hogo Ho ni Motozuku Yusei Shujutsu tou o Uketa Mono ni Taisuru Ichijikin no Shikyu tou ni Kansuru Houritsu Dai 21-jo ni Motozuku Chousa Houkokusho" Dai 1-hen: Kyu Yusei Hogo Ho no Rippoukatei. Dai 4-sho: Kyu Yusei Hogo Ho Kaisei tou no Ugoki. 3: Fukou na Kodomo no Umarenai Undo no Tenkai. (3) Fukou na Kodomo no Umarenai Undo he no Hantai Undo. [English translation: Report Based on Article 21 of the Act on the Payment of Lump-Sum Compensation to Persons Subjected to Eugenic Surgeries Under the Former Eugenic Protection Act. Part 1: Legislative Process of the Former Eugenic Protection Act. Chapter 4: Movements for the Revision of the Former Act. Section 3: Development of the “Movement to Prevent the Birth of Unfortunate Children.” Subsection (3): Opposition to the Movement.] 2024:209. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.shugiin.go.jp/140yuusei_houkokusho_1-4
17. Takayama K, Hamano A. The Present Situation and Future of Women with Handicaps: Through the Shift from the Eugenic Protection Law to the Law for the Protection of Mothers' Bodies. (Maternal Health Act) Bulletin of the Faculty of Education, Yokohama National University. 1997;37:125–133. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://ynu.repo.nii.ac.jp/records/899
18. Yamamoto K. Society for Seeking an Apology for Eugenic Surgery, ed. Yuseishujutsu ni Taisuru Shyazai wo Motomerukai [English translaton: The Crimes Committed by the Eugenic Protection Law: Testimonies of People Deprived of Having Children [Revised and Expanded Edition]. Gendai-Shokann; 2018:241–245. ISBN 978-4-7684-5827-3. [in Japanese].
19. Onuma I. A reflexion on the "economic reasons" clause of the Eugenic Protection Law. Comparative Japanese Studies and Education Research Annual. 2018;14:168–173. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://teapot.lib.ocha.ac.jp/records/41584
20. Supreme Court of Japan. National Compensation Claim Case. Grand Bench Judgment. July 3, 2024. Case No. 1319 (2023). Accessed July 27, 2025. Available from: https://www.courts.go.jp/app/hanrei_en/detail?id=2014
21. Kondo H. Yuuseihou ni mirareru nihonnjinn no rinnrikan [English translation: The ethical view of the Japanese people as seen in eugenics]. Comparative Japanese School Education Research Center Annual Report. 2013;(9):91–95. [in Japanese]. Accessed July 27, 2025. Available from: https://teapot.lib.ocha.ac.jp/record/40900/files/p.91-95.pdf
22. Black E. War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America's Campaign to Create a Master Race. 2nd ed. Dialog Press; 2012. ISBN: 0914153293.
23. George U, ed. Winter B, orig. text; Salmon, Dreimann H, Alford D, Tsuda R, Izumoji E, trans. Transfer to Hadamar: An English Catalogue About the Nazi “Euthanasia” Crimes in Hadamar. Kassel, Germany: Landeswohlfahrtsverband Hessen; 2005:74. ISBN 3-89203-046-4. [in Japanese].
24. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Euthanasia program. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Published July 2, 2021. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/euthanasia-program
25. Gallagher HG. Nagase O, trans. By Trust Betrayed: Patients, Physicians, and the License to Kill in the Third Reich. Tokyo: Gendaishokan; 1996. ISBN: 978-4768457979. [in Japanese].
26. von Galen CA. Sermon by the Bishop of Münster [translated sermon]. Catholic Culture. Published by ChurchinHistory. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=9682
27. Furui T, Furui M. For a sustainable inclusive 21st century: What we must learn from Japanese Eugenic Protection Act. Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity Conference Proceedings. Published 2021. ISSN: 2641-6115. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/10865b4d-0370-47be-9f3e-3fc74ae92ce8/content
28. Natsubori S. A research on the challenged person’s murder case committed by their parents after WWⅡ. Japanese Journal of Social Welfare. 2007;48(1):41–54. doi:10.24469/jssw.48.1_42[in Japanese].