A number of 162 pregnant women and in the postpartum period died by suicide in Japan between 2022 and 2024, determining health officials to establish safety measures and to increase the public awareness, writes Asahi Shimbun, one of the largest Japanese daily.
The data highlights two very vulnerable groups: the 20 -year -old women during pregnancy and women around the age of 40, one year after birth.
The findings were published by the Japanese center to promote suicide control measures (JSCP), which analyzed the data provided by the police.
This is the first analysis of the statistics on suicide during the perinatal period in Japan, following a decision of the 2022 National Police Agency to begin the pursuit of such cases.
Of the 162 cases of suicide, 28% occurred during pregnancy, 16% within two months after birth and 56% between three months and a postpartum year.
The younger pregnant women had a higher risk, the number of suicides per 100,000 births reaching 7.5 among those between the ages of 20 and 24.
This is more than the double of the 3.6 rate of the next largest age group, women between the ages of 40 and 44.
The rate of suicides within a year after birth was the highest among women between the ages of 40 and 44, being 13 to 100,000.
The data suggests a disproportionate risk of higher suicide for young pregnant women, in the early 20s, and for women in postpartum, at the age of 40, emphasizing the need for specific support for these age groups.
The rate of suicide among Japanese women place Japan among developed countries with the highest suicide rates in women. Although the number of suicides among women had a downward trend before the pandemic, during the Covid-19 pandemic there was a significant increase, even reaching a 37% increase in previous levels.
The suicide rate in women in Japan is twice as high as in most developed countries, but it remains inferior to that of men, which is usually double compared to that of women
Family problems among common factors
JSCP found that, among pregnant women, suicides were often related to family problems in married women and relational issues in the case of their husbands.
For women in postpartum, the main causes were also family problems, especially difficulties in raising children, and health problems, such as depression.
The director of JSCP, Yasuyuki Shimizu, stressed the need for stronger support for people in high risk and assistance for grieving families.
“Don't fight alone. Take a step forward and ask for help,” said Shimizu.
During pregnancy and after birth, many women face anxiety or emotional suffering because of physical, psychological and lifestyle changes.
According to the Japanese association of obstetricians and gynecologists, one in 10 women suffer from postpartum depression.
Symptoms that require professional attention include uncontrollable crying, lack of pleasure in raising children, insomnia, loss of appetite and feelings of guilt and lack of value.
Health experts underline the importance of early intervention and encourage women to ask for help at local clinics or public health centers at the first sign that something is not right.
Growing public support
The government has expanded support through maternal care services. One of the goals of postpartum control at two weeks is the early detection of mental health problems.
Due to the increase of subsidies from local administrations, the availability of medical checks has increased significantly – from 56.2% in maternities at national level in 2017 to 86.8% in 2025.
However, disappearances persist, only 60% of the institutions in the unsuccessful areas carrying out the controls.
In addition, some hospitals continue to impose restrictions that started during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as limiting the presence of the partner or family at maternity courses or at ambulatory visits.
Public support for postpartum care programs has been increasing, especially by increasing financing from the Agency for Children and Families.
These services, including overnight accommodation, day programs and home visits, also offer access to midwives and other qualified professionals.
