Why Japanese Marketplaces Are Begging People to Stop Selling Ultrasound Photos — And What It Means for Your Fertility Journey
Posted on 30 August 2025 by Priya Nair — 4 min
Have you ever thought twice about what happens to your ultrasound photos after your appointment?
Recently, a major online marketplace in Japan, Mercari, made headlines by pleading with users to stop selling ultrasound photos on its platform. This unexpected move sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of fertility and pregnancy — the privacy, respect, and emotional significance we attach to these images.
So, what exactly is going on? And why should you care, especially if you or someone you know is navigating the complex path of conception?
The Ultrasound Photo Controversy: More Than Just a Picture
Ultrasound images are deeply personal mementos for expecting parents. They mark the first glimpses of life, moments filled with hope, anticipation, and sometimes anxiety. But in Japan, these images started appearing in online marketplaces, available for anyone to buy and sell.
Mercari, Japan’s biggest online seller, publicly urged users to stop this practice, emphasizing the ethical issues involved. Ultrasound photos, they explained, are not typical goods — they carry sensitive personal information and emotions that should be protected.
The story gained traction internationally after being reported by Gizmodo in a revealing article titled "Japanese Online Marketplace Begs People to Stop Selling Ultrasound Photos".
What Does This Mean for Fertility and Conception?
If you’re trying to conceive, the emotional weight of every scan and test is intense. Privacy around your journey isn’t just a preference — it’s vital for your peace of mind.
This issue underscores a broader conversation about how fertility data and imagery are handled in our modern world. Beyond ultrasounds, consider other fertility-related data, tests, or even at-home insemination kits — how is your privacy being maintained?
At-Home Fertility Solutions and Privacy: A Perfect Match
Speaking of at-home options, many individuals and couples are choosing private, convenient fertility solutions like home insemination. Companies like MakeAMom specialize in at-home insemination kits designed to offer privacy, comfort, and success without the clinical setting stress.
MakeAMom's product line includes specialized kits such as the CryoBaby for low-volume or frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility sperm, and the BabyMaker for those with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus. These reusable kits provide a discreet, affordable alternative to clinical insemination, with an impressive average success rate of 67%.
Because privacy matters so deeply, MakeAMom ensures that all shipments arrive in plain packaging without any identifying information, respecting your confidentiality every step of the way.
Why Privacy in Your Fertility Journey Matters
- Emotional Well-being: Fertility struggles can be emotionally taxing. Having control over who sees your journey can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Protecting Personal Data: Ultrasound images and fertility data contain personal health information that should be safeguarded.
- Preventing Exploitation: When sensitive images or data are sold or shared without consent, it can lead to misuse or exploitation.
With ongoing technological advances making fertility more accessible, the importance of ethical handling of related information and materials grows.
How You Can Protect Yourself
- Choose discreet and reputable fertility products and services that prioritize privacy.
- Be cautious about sharing personal fertility photos or data online.
- Advocate for stronger privacy protections around fertility and pregnancy information.
Looking Ahead
The Japanese marketplace story is a wake-up call for the global community. It reminds us that in an age of digital everything, the most intimate parts of our lives — including our fertility journeys — deserve respect, discretion, and care.
If you’re exploring at-home fertility methods, consider solutions that combine effectiveness with privacy, like the wide range of kits offered by MakeAMom. They’re designed with your emotional and physical needs in mind, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: building your family in a safe, supportive environment.
What are your thoughts on the sale of such personal images? How do you prioritize privacy in your fertility journey? Share your insights and experiences below — let’s keep this important conversation going!