Controversy Over Selling Ultrasound Photos
Ever thought it was odd to buy a photo of someone else’s fetus? Well, it recently became a reality thanks to Mercari, a Japanese e-commerce platform.
They’ve now halted the sale of ultrasound images, which were reportedly sold for around $14, following some backlash.
The decision to ban these items came after a post on X highlighted the availability of ultrasound photos and even images of positive pregnancy tests for sale. Users expressed their concerns, asking, “Why are these even listed on Mercari?”
One user suggested that these images might be used in manipulative ways, perhaps to deceive someone into thinking they’re expecting a child. Others chimed in, worried about potential scams targeting unsuspecting partners.
Concerns escalated, with some describing the trend as creepy and potentially used for harmful purposes, like scams or divorce tactics. It was clear that many felt these images should be regulated.
On Reddit, a user mentioned that there’s a term in Japan for women pretending to be pregnant to extort money from men—this dubious act is known as “Ningsin Sheg.”
Many speculated that selling ultrasound photos and pregnancy tests could indeed be part of fraudulent schemes.
While Mercari hasn’t provided much detail, they officially banned the sale of ultrasound photos as of September 1. Some experts have cautioned that sharing pregnancy-related images online can expose newborns to risks like identity theft.
A study published in 2024 warned that sharing cute bump photos and ultrasound images could make infants targets for digital exploitation. Researchers highlighted that, by posting about pregnancy, parents inadvertently create a digital identity for their child even before birth.
One academic explained that this sort of sharing can lead to identity theft, as people might steal children’s images for their own purposes.
In the end, while sharing ultrasound photos might seem harmless or even endearing, it’s important to consider the potential consequences, including the risk that someone with ill intent could take advantage of this information.
