Japan: Male lawmakers wear artificial pregnant bellies to experience the feelings of pregnant women
Three male lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party took part in a social experiment: They wore 7-kilogram vests for two days. It was a way for officials to put themselves in the shoes of pregnant women.
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| Photos of the experiences of Japanese male parliamentarians. |
The experiment was proposed by a colleague of MP Takako Suzuki, who wanted lawmakers to experience “some of the hardships faced by pregnant women” and “help create a safer society”.
Wearing waistcoats that mimic stomachs and chests, deputies will go to work, shop, sleep and do housework. They are only allowed to take them off during plenary sessions of the government.
The trial only began the day before yesterday, but officials admit that the increased weight and large bellies are indeed very burdensome: preventing them from walking, turning, bending and performing various movements, although they are still happy to participate in the trial.
Twitter users commented that the vest only partially simulates pregnancy: delegates will not feel, such as cramps, dizziness, poisoning and other symptoms. However, they still hope that the test will yield some results.
