Intergenerational Reproductive Health Effects of Japanese American Detainment Camps Revealed by West Virginia University Research
A recent study conducted by West Virginia University has shed light on the negative intergenerational reproductive health effects stemming from the Japanese American detainment camps during World War II. The research, led by health economist Daniel Grossman, found that women who were likely incarcerated in the camps as children went on to give birth to less healthy babies compared to Asian American women who were not incarcerated.
Published in the Journal of Public Economics, Grossman’s findings highlight the long-term consequences of in utero and early life shocks, particularly in relation to forced migrations such as the detainment of Japanese Americans during the war. The study revealed that Japanese American mothers born after the closure of the camps were at a higher risk of poor birth outcomes, including low birth weights for their children.
The detainment of over 110,000 Japanese Americans in prison camps, under the guise of national security concerns, subjected individuals to harsh living conditions that likely impacted their reproductive health. The research highlighted the detrimental effects of factors such as inadequate medical facilities, extreme temperatures, and epidemics of diseases within the camps.
Grossman’s study compared the birth weights of babies born to Japanese American mothers who were likely incarcerated in the camps with those born to mothers from Hawaii, where mass incarceration was avoided due to its economic implications. The results showed that babies born to mothers who had been incarcerated were significantly lighter on average, indicating a direct link between the trauma of incarceration and reproductive health outcomes.
Furthermore, the study explored the lasting effects of the forced migration experienced by Japanese Americans post-camp closure. The analysis extended to mothers born in the subsequent decade after the camps shut down, revealing ongoing negative reproductive health effects from the turbulent resettlement period.
Grossman emphasized the need to acknowledge the health consequences of forced migrations and incarceration, stating that the trauma, loss of assets, and displacement experienced by individuals during such events have long-lasting effects. The study underscores the importance of understanding the intergenerational impact of historical events on health outcomes and calls for further research in this area.
The research conducted by West Virginia University provides valuable insights into the repercussions of the Japanese American detainment camps during World War II and highlights the need for continued exploration of the health effects of forced migrations on future generations. By shedding light on these intergenerational reproductive health effects, the study contributes to a better understanding of the long-term impact of traumatic events on public health.
