Do you know or have you ever given a thought on how you were born?
The birth of lives are equal to all human beings, yet, the way in which each birth comes about is diverse, and no one birth is the same as another. Numerous hurdles exist in our journey to birth, and we were born through a series of countless miracles.
Furthermore, at the global sphere, we can observe a multifold of differences in the birth of lives. In countries where medical technology has developed, lives that could not have been saved are now being rescued, while in other parts of the world, lives that can be saved are lost.
Birth methods and their support vary greatly depending on cultures and customs. For human beings, the birth of life is an event that involves problems that cannot be solved from a biological perspective alone. Especially in today's society, people's lifestyles, families, and sexuality are becoming increasingly diverse, so the way of thinking about pregnancy and childbirth may also vary by each individual. For instance, questions such as when to give birth and how to give birth. Or whether to have a child or not in the first place.
The current medical care and science and technology certainly provide us with options to respond to our individual thoughts and concerns. However, that alone may not be the solution to everything. The purpose of this exhibition is to help us think about what other assistance may be needed for us to make choices and decisions about pregnancy and childbirth with a sense of reassurance and comfort .
Needless to mention, the information provided in this exhibition has its limits and may turn out to give a one-sided view. However, we have created this exhibition with the hope that it will bring about an opportunity for us all to think about a society that is inclusive for all, no matter how we choose to live our lives, and that can provide relevant support and care when needed.
We would be more than glad if each and every one of you will be able to deepen your reflection upon visiting this exhibition.
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of the Sacred Heart
NAKANO Hiroko
Professor, Department of Psychology, University of the Sacred Heart
We are truly grateful to Ms. Ran Kawai, a birth journalist for her cooperation from the planning stage of this exhibition. As also a photographer herself, Ms. Kawai’s "Birth, Birth, Birth!" photo exhibition is on display in the special exhibition room. You are welcome to visit the photo gallery as well. We would also like to thank Ms. Rieko Fukuzawa of Tsukuba University for her cooperation in various ways. In addition, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to many others who kindly joined hands for their collaboration.
