1 in 2 Needy Mothers Lacks Child Care Products in Japan

Tokyo, April 24 (Jiji Press)–One in two expectant or new mothers who need financial support in Japan said they cannot prepare sufficient child care products, a nongovernmental organization survey has found. When asked about concerns, 88 pct of respondents said they cannot work as much as they want due to pregnancy or childbirth. The inability to sufficiently prepare baby and maternity goods was cited by 50.3 pct, and difficulties paying rent and utility bills by 44.9 pct. The survey, conducted by Save the Children Japan between September and November last year, covered 316 individuals who applied for the Tokyo-based NGO’s child care support, with responses received from all participants. Among those surveyed, 75 pct were single parents, including those who had never married. Of the total, 57.9 pct were unemployed, and 15.5 pct were part-time workers. Half of the total reported they had no savings. “There is a lack of material support such as disposable diapers and financial aid such as child allowances,” an official of the NGO said. “Support should be expanded for those in the pregnant to postpartum period, who are more likely to fall into poverty due to restrictions on work.” Among single parents, 32.9 pct reported no arrangements for child support with the fathers of their children, while 16.5 pct said their former partners have no intention of acknowledging their children. On April 1, Japan introduced a system to allow divorced parents living with their children to claim at least 20,000 yen per month in child support from separated parents without prior arrangements. “There are people who are not covered under the system, such as those whose children have not been acknowledged by the other party,” the official said. “Child support should be secured as a right of the child, not a matter between parents.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]