The boy was born by Caesarean section about a month earlier than expected, the office said. Noda, a former posts and telecommunications minister, was hospitalized in December because of the risk of premature delivery.
In a press release, Noda said she became pregnant in May and gave birth to a boy at 9:31 a.m., and that she will be on maternity leave for the time being.
Both Noda and her child are in good health, according to the office.
Noda, who was once touted as a potential candidate to become Japan’s first female premier, revealed last year that she had become pregnant via in vitro fertilization using donor eggs and the sperm of her partner, with whom she has a de facto marital relationship.
Noda published a book in 2004 titled, ‘‘Watashi wa umitai’’ (I Want to Give Birth) which depicts her physical and emotional struggles in undergoing fertility treatment and her clashes with LDP House of Councillors member Yosuke Tsuruho, who was then her partner and opposed to the treatment.
via Japan Today
