Женская клиника Като, Япония

I married at age 25 and then underwent timed intercourse treatment at a local gynecology clinic for about five years without becoming pregnant. As I approached age 30, I was referred to Kato Ladies Clinic. I was worried because I lived abroad and my husband was too busy to accompany me to appointments, but I was still able to begin treatment smoothly on my own during a brief visit home. At my previous clinic, my husband and I were even required to attend an information session together before I could see a doctor, so being able to attend appointments alone while he was abroad was a great help. Despite having anovulatory cycles and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, my first egg retrieval produced a grade A embryo, and I became pregnant with my first child. After six years of marriage, I finally met the child I had longed for, and I was filled with gratitude. Then, three years and six years later, I conceived my second and third children through single embryo transfers and delivered both safely. I am currently undergoing treatment for my fourth child. I will continue to rely on your services and appreciate your ongoing support.

The young woman at the reception desk on the ninth floor spoke to me impatiently. Her attitude made me feel as though she was testing me. It was very unpleasant.

The middle-aged male doctor I saw at my first visit was extremely arrogant and said things like, “As a layperson, you probably would not understand, would you?” He seemed to assume I was someone who would not challenge him. His attitude was extremely disrespectful, so I clearly pointed it out, and he apologized. The woman who answered the phone when I made my first appointment also used medical terminology as an example and said something similar in a very sarcastic tone: “As a layperson, you probably would not understand, would you?” Do you even understand what an “example” is? Perhaps there is a problem with your Japanese. Are you two married? Ha ha. I recommend recording the hospital staff’s phone conversations. As other reviews have said, this is not normal. If this is how they treat patients, I feel sorry for the medical professionals who work hard and fulfill their duties conscientiously. To put it mildly, I question their character. I immediately transferred to another hospital, where the medical staff were like angels. I am truly glad I changed hospitals.

During the first consultation, my partner and I spent 5,000 yen to inquire about in vitro fertilization (IVF). The doctor who received us was arrogant, overbearing, and lacked courtesy throughout the entire process. I am a breast cancer patient and need to get pregnant as soon as possible during the medication discontinuation period. Additionally, due to some reasons, I am currently not living in Tokyo and only started looking for IVF hospitals in Tokyo after getting married. Although I filled out on the questionnaire that I had stopped taking tamoxifen due to breast cancer, the doctor seemed completely unaware and suddenly asked: "There are other methods, like timed intercourse, but why do you want IVF?" I explained that: * My tamoxifen discontinuation period is one year (after conception, the fetus's health takes priority over the mother's health, which is a separate matter), * The medication takes nine months to fully metabolize out of the body, This means I need to get pregnant within three months after stopping the medication. That is why my breast cancer doctor recommended IVF, and it is ultimately why I came here. Cancer and pregnancy are closely related, but this doctor seemed to lack understanding of this aspect of breast cancer. In the end, he told me: "In this case, you should not undergo infertility treatment." Please rest assured, I already have a referral letter from a breast cancer hospital in Kyoto to transfer to an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Kyoto for infertility treatment. I can also obtain another referral letter from my previous hospital to transfer to a hospital in Tokyo, which is, of course, my plan. However, I wanted my partner to understand what IVF is and the associated costs, and I also wanted to find a good hospital in Tokyo, so I contacted several hospitals in advance and came here for a consultation today. The doctor's explanation was entirely verbal, delivered very quickly, without any pictures or charts, and his tone sounded as if he was explaining to a professional. He kept asking: "Do you have any questions?" one after another. This explanation was truly difficult for a layperson to understand. The large, well-known hospital in Kyoto is far better than this one, and much more thorough and considerate. Moreover, they offer a "know-it-all consultation" service where all questions are answered for free. This clinic seems to only offer self-funded private treatment, and I don't know if they use low-dose ovarian stimulation or something, but I realized again that the more eggs retrieved at once, the better, and I will not be seeing that doctor again. So I left early. There are many similar complaints in other reviews. Honestly, I don't even want to give one star. My condolences.

This hospital is very good. They are open late, so I can balance work and medical visits. I am considering whether to have a second child.

I am currently undergoing testing at this clinic and need blood drawn every time, but it is so painful that I am close to giving up. This clinic draws blood frequently—can the nurses not improve their technique? Compared with other hospitals, the pain here is unbearable. 😭

I became pregnant and delivered successfully after just one egg retrieval and embryo transfer here. The wait times were reasonable and not long. Because I had many follicles, my retrieval was performed under anesthesia. When I decided to pursue IVF, I knew insurance covered only a limited number of attempts, so I planned to stop if I still could not become pregnant after using that coverage. I thought that if I might have to give up anyway, I should try the most famous clinic so that even if it failed, I could move on to the next stage of my life. I am very grateful that everything ended in the best possible way.

I married at 34 and immediately began trying to conceive at another nearby clinic. Before transferring here, I was told that my AMH was low and that I had fewer eggs than others my age. After three unsuccessful attempts at timed intercourse, I began considering more advanced treatment. I came here while considering IVF. Fortunately, my first IVF cycle resulted in a healthy pregnancy, and I completed treatment quickly. This hospital made me feel reassured and confident. However, I also realized that pregnancy itself is a miracle. Even with every effort, the final outcome depends on luck. The timing of treatment, the age of the eggs and sperm, and both partners' physical and emotional condition also play crucial roles. I believe we should never forget that. The doctor's explanation taught me that age is an important factor in egg quality. Since humans are using cutting-edge technology to challenge the natural realities of infertility, it cannot be easy, can it?! Biologically, I was approaching advanced maternal age, so I intended to do everything I could. Their embryo-culture technique also seemed excellent. I am very grateful to all the staff who open early in the morning and even offer weekend appointments. That was my impression of the clinic. I was initially afraid of egg retrieval without anesthesia, but it was not as painful as I expected. One doctor seemed a little rough and even intimidating, but I thought he must have some hidden secret, haha. I believe gratitude helps you relax and makes a good outcome more likely.

I began infertility treatment at age 30, and about a year and a half later, I was finally discharged successfully today. I had embryo transfers at two other clinics, but I am glad I ultimately chose KLC, which I viewed as my last option. Thanks to KLC, I graduated after just one egg retrieval and one embryo transfer. Before coming to KLC, I had two egg retrievals and five embryo transfers. At my previous clinics, I underwent nearly every advanced medical test except PGTA, but the cause remained unknown. The other clinics kept recommending various advanced treatments and retrieval and culture protocols, making treatment expensive, while the unexplained cause left me physically and emotionally exhausted. After transferring to KLC, the doctor recommended only evidence-based care—time-lapse imaging—so I initially worried that it might not be enough. My concerns proved unnecessary. I realized that the embryologists' exceptional skill, the doctors' advanced embryo-transfer technique, and the meticulous expertise developed by the entire staff—skills other clinics could not match—were the keys to these results. (The cause ultimately remained unknown, but my guesses are: ① Hormone-replacement medication did not suit me, and a natural cycle was more appropriate. ② The fertilized egg's outer membrane was too hard and prevented implantation; KLC's assisted-hatching technique removed almost all of it, which helped me.) The nurses' injections were also always painless. I had read this in reviews, but experiencing it myself was still a pleasant surprise. At other clinics they could not find my veins, repeatedly stuck me, and caused venous congestion. The reception staff were also highly professional and far better than at other clinics, which impressed me because I had unpleasant experiences elsewhere. Every staff member showed a high degree of professionalism. This truly felt like the best infertility clinic in Japan. I sincerely thank them for helping me become pregnant in the shortest possible time. Thank you very much! 【Other advantages】 ・The clinic's app and care process are highly organized, so I felt no stress at all. Why do other clinics take so long? Waiting to pay elsewhere feels endless, but KLC lets patients pay later by credit card, and I received the payment notice by the time I finished my consultation and left the hospital. ・The app has a feature for asking doctors questions, and I received a quick response, which was very reassuring. Most importantly, I could see their effort to reduce patients' stress outside treatment and their commitment to returning profits to patient care.

I am grateful to Mr. Morimoto. He always treats me sincerely and kindly.

I am in my 30s and became pregnant after just one embryo transfer! It is all thanks to the excellent doctors and embryologists. I am so glad I chose this clinic. I do not understand why anyone would give it a one-star review.

The doctor essentially gave no specific explanation. There seemed to be significant technical variation in egg retrieval, and without anesthesia, the pain ranged from mild to severe. During retrieval, the doctor inserted the needle into three follicles, but I was told only one egg was retrieved, with no explanation of why the other two were unsuccessful. I also did not know the doctor who performed the retrieval. On the day I was supposed to receive my IVF result, no one contacted me, so I had to email and ask. Perhaps they forgot about me because fertilization did not occur. I had never experienced a failed IVF cycle before; this was my first. The wait times were also exceptionally long. I waited three and a half hours even for a simple internal examination. The clinic is popular and therefore busy, which is understandable, but regular visits are difficult for anyone who works.

I married at 23 and planned to have children at 25, but things did not go as planned. At 25, my wife and I first considered infertility treatment. We began at a local obstetrics and gynecology clinic. We tried timed intercourse three times → ❌ We tried artificial insemination four times → ❌ As time passed, I became discouraged, but after about three months at this hospital, we conceived 💡💡💡, with a due date in April 🌟 This hospital has an excellent reputation and comprehensive facilities, so we decided to stop trying artificial insemination and proceed with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) here. It proved to be the right decision 🙆‍♂️👍 My wife attended appointments while working, and I accompanied her whenever possible. Many husbands accompany their wives, so it did not feel awkward at all. There did not seem to be many patients in their 20s, but the doctors were welcoming and explained everything patiently, which reassured me. 🙌 We are also considering a second or third child, so we have already scheduled six prenatal checkups, including some more advanced ones. 💡🥰 Do not worry alone. Let us work together as couples and overcome these challenges together. 🙇🥹

This is a mechanized, assembly-line clinic. I had five egg retrievals and two embryo transfers here, all unsuccessful. They may specialize in retrieval and embryo culture, but they do not address implantation problems. Another clinic diagnosed me with an endometrial polyp, and I am now undergoing uterine evaluation. I would not recommend this clinic to anyone who does not want to waste time.

The quality of this clinic's doctors and nurses is inconsistent. Some clinicians are very good, but others leave patients physically and emotionally exhausted. Unless you have a specific reason to use this clinic, I recommend going elsewhere. Overall, the guidance is unhelpful, and coordination between floors is poor. You receive vague instructions and may even be sent to the wrong floor, causing further problems. What upset me most was how the team handled my egg retrieval. They provided almost no explanation, and even when I asked, their answers were not reassuring. When I was told to wait briefly and they confirmed my decision, their manner felt like they were saying, 'You are doing this because you chose to, right? Then do not complain.' After this retrieval, I abandoned my egg-freezing plan, but I decided to pursue later steps such as artificial insemination at another clinic. This clinic disregards patients' bodies and feelings without hesitation. I strongly advise against it.

I believe older patients and those who need multiple egg retrievals should consider this clinic cautiously. Although the facility appears well equipped, I have concerns about the egg retrieval and embryo transfer techniques, which are critical to infertility treatment, as well as the clinic's operating model. For egg retrieval, the clinic does have highly skilled doctors. I was treated by one of them, and the procedure was painless with my highest retrieval rate to date, which made me very satisfied. However, I also had the opposite experience. Every part of the process was poor; even the ultrasound and disinfection were painful, and puncturing the nearby follicles was excruciating. Although the doctor knew that nearly 10 follicles would be punctured, no local anesthesia was offered. Patients do not know the procedural details, so I believe doctors should proactively provide appropriate pain control. After this painful procedure, the pain continued into the next day, and the retrieval rate was the lowest I have experienced. Even the ultrasound images showed clear differences in skill between doctors. The clinic's nurses should know each doctor's ability. Assigning procedures to insufficiently skilled doctors and failing to follow up with patients in pain made me feel that this clinic lacks concern for patients. I am even more concerned about embryo transfers because physician skill also varies. During my final transfer, I twice felt sharp pain deep in my uterus and felt the catheter press against the fundus. The pain itself was not severe, but stimulation of the fundus is said to trigger uterine contractions, which can interfere with implantation. The clinic gave me an ultrasound image as proof that the transfer was completed, but is that reassuring? During the previous transfer, the catheter was inserted so quickly that it felt as if my endometrium had been scraped. Both results were completely negative. These problems could have been prevented through careful, precise technique, yet some doctors were so careless. I would be angry even if the embryo had cost only several hundred thousand yen, but these were precious PGT-A-normal embryos obtained through enormous investments of time and money, making the despair even greater. Another major problem is that doctors do not introduce themselves during examinations or treatment. Under this system, patients cannot express opinions or provide feedback about individual doctors. Patients should not have to wait anxiously at the nurses' station, not knowing who will perform which procedure or whether they will get a good or poor doctor. Costs may be relatively reasonable, but for older patients who cannot afford the added risk of a 'lottery,' or those needing multiple retrievals, I see no benefit in choosing this clinic.

I am in my forties, when time for infertility treatment is extremely limited. Perhaps because I saw a different doctor each time, no one had a complete view of my treatment plan, and an improvised decision caused harm. A treatment that should have occurred was forgotten, and my egg retrieval was canceled. These losses probably could have been avoided if medication had been prescribed in advance as it was previously. There is truly no time to waste in your forties. No matter how hard I study as a patient, I can never acquire a doctor's depth of medical knowledge. I wish there were a system ensuring necessary treatment is not missed instead of relying on patients to notice that medication was not prescribed. I think I will regret this for the rest of my life.

I began trying to conceive at age 29, and after unsuccessful intrauterine insemination, my OB-GYN referred me to this hospital. The doctors' manner was very poor. Two doctors were cold toward me and did not answer my questions. I felt extremely discouraged every time I saw them. Undergoing IVF at my age required courage and money, and I had many concerns, so being treated so coldly made me even more anxious. I was physically and emotionally exhausted. I wish they would at least answer patients' questions sincerely. The other two doctors were very kind, so the contrast was striking.

I chose this clinic for my first IVF treatment and became pregnant after the first egg retrieval and transfer. There seem to be some low ratings for the doctors and nurses, but my only goal was to become pregnant, so as long as I achieved that result, I had no complaints about them. The egg retrieval is indeed painful because it is performed without anesthesia. However, I was more afraid of general anesthesia, so I deliberately chose this clinic because it does not use anesthesia. Because they use a mild stimulation protocol, the medication was probably kept to a minimum. This placed less strain on my body and gave me peace of mind. Because medication and the egg retrieval date are scheduled around ovulation, the doctor sometimes asked me to return the next day and the day after, which was difficult to arrange. I was able to manage because I was not working full time, and I greatly admire those who do this while working full time.

[Additional note] When I previously needed surgery for an endometrial polyp or a similar condition, the doctor referred me to Okubo Hospital in Shinjuku and two other hospitals in Kagurazaka. I do not recommend Okubo Hospital. I hope they stop referring patients there, so I gave four stars. I graduated from the clinic at 7 weeks after my second transfer. Honestly, the doctors vary in quality, but overall they are polite and friendly. Some are stricter and will not volunteer information unless asked, but I never felt they shouted or behaved unreasonably. The doctors here are much better than those at other clinics. Even with an appointment, I had to wait, but once I became accustomed to it, I accepted that it was unavoidable. The hospital has Wi-Fi and desks, making it easy to do light work, so I think it helps to use the time creatively. Personally, the broad range of available dates and times made scheduling easy, and I felt comfortable going there. I understand why the care may feel “slow and monotonous,” “by the book,” or “routine,” especially when things are not going well after a transfer. In fact, that approach suited me. I prefer doctors who are concise, precise, and kind over those who talk endlessly about irrelevant things. Infertility treatment involves many options and methods. Too much information can be overwhelming and stressful, leaving you wondering, “What should I do?” I found that following the process with some guidance helped prevent those doubts. Of course, you can ask any question and discuss your treatment plan and what you want or are able to do. I declined self-injections because I did not want to administer them myself. Haha. I know infertility treatment is very difficult and stressful, but I wrote this review in hopes that others facing the same concerns can find a reliable hospital.

I began treatment here in August and recently completed it. I underwent my first IVF treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The limited number of visits and short waiting times reduced the burden of treatment. Appointments and payments were handled through an app, which was very convenient, and I felt reassured at every visit. Because my rubella antibody level was low, I underwent two egg retrievals while waiting after vaccination. Egg retrieval without anesthesia was painful, but I had learned about the benefits from the director's booklet beforehand, so I felt comfortable proceeding. The nurses, embryologists, and doctors gave thorough explanations and clearly answered my questions, allowing me to continue treatment with confidence. They also responded promptly to phone questions about early-pregnancy bleeding and other concerns, which was very helpful. I am extremely grateful that I became pregnant. I will definitely choose you again when preparing for a second or later child.

They told me, “You can no longer become pregnant.” I tried to keep going to the hospital, but after hearing that, I could not continue emotionally and transferred to another hospital. I understand that treatment becomes more difficult with age, but I think they should have expressed it more sensitively. People in their forties do become pregnant, so it is not entirely impossible, but I felt as though our efforts to conceive had suddenly ended. In fact, they said all my results were good and my ovarian function was normal. They spoke as though there were no hope at all, then asked whether I wanted to continue treatment despite having told me it was impossible. In any case, I could not afford treatment there.

After my second embryo transfer, I was successfully discharged 7 weeks after the procedure, and I am now the mother of an adorable 1-year-7-month-old. I have returned to this clinic for treatment as we prepare for a second child. Overall, most doctors and nurses seem polite and friendly. They are also happy to answer questions, though some doctors may appear somewhat stern. In terms of outcomes, however, I believe this is a highly trustworthy clinic.

After five years of marriage without success, we underwent IVF here and conceived after our first embryo transfer. We recently delivered our baby safely. - System Everything, from appointments and telephone inquiries to medical bills and embryo-culture updates, is handled through the app and is very easy. - Visit frequency Women need about four visits per month: cycle day 3, two follicle-growth checks, and retrieval or transfer day. If employed, you need a full day off for retrieval and transfer. If you work in Tokyo, half-day or paid leave is enough for other visits. Men need to provide sperm once per month, but can avoid visiting if frozen sperm is used or their wife brings the sample. - Wait times My visits took about 1.5–2 hours from check-in to departure. Wait times did not differ much between weekends, holidays, and weekdays, but early weekday mornings and after 5 p.m. were crowded, so other times are preferable. On weekday mornings, a line forms on the benches even before registration begins, as check-in is first come, first served. Also, on retrieval and transfer days, registration is early in the morning but the actual procedure may not occur until the afternoon or later. Depending on the queue, it can even be in the evening, so plan for the whole day. — Staff Despite being busy, they work calmly and smoothly to minimize waits. After my first retrieval, I was in too much pain to walk. When I told them, they extended my bed rest, which was very helpful. I recommend this clinic to anyone struggling to choose a hospital. As an aside, I was told my endometrium was thin, making conception difficult. By keeping warm with daily half-body baths, wearing an abdominal wrap during the day, improving my diet by avoiding sugar and cold foods, and regularly using mugwort steam therapy, my lining became thick enough.

I became pregnant after one transfer and am now close to my due date. It was my first IVF cycle, so I knew little and felt anxious, but all the staff were kind and kept me reassured from beginning to end. After delivery, I plan to return here to prepare for another pregnancy.

I am grateful that I became pregnant here, but the nurses' attitudes varied greatly: some were kind, while others were rude and often responded angrily. If they disliked something, they became upset and repeatedly asked why. I had never seen anyone react so rudely. The kind nurses did their best to offer advice. If I considered only the kind nurses and the doctors who explained things calmly and carefully, I would give 5 stars. However, there were so many rude nurses that I could give only 1 star. Still, because there are kind nurses and courteous doctors, I give 2 stars. This may be difficult for people who are already distressed and sensitive because they cannot conceive. Why do people become so irritated while providing care?

For a year and a half, I tried timed intercourse and two rounds of artificial insemination at another clinic, but all were unsuccessful. I was advised to transfer here and had my first appointment last December. The doctors are matter-of-fact, but they shared my goal of having a child and worked on my treatment so I could begin IVF as soon as possible. As a result, I became pregnant with a blastocyst after one egg retrieval and have now reached the later stage of pregnancy. For better or worse, I think the treatment is tailored to the patient. Since we share the goal of having a child, the doctors use their experience to provide the best treatment. I am genuinely glad I transferred here.

It is just a conveyor belt, with no consideration for patient data or treatment progress. This clinic values only high-quality follicles and has no strategy or thoughtful approach. It was once called the last stronghold, but that is long gone. The announcement showed poor results from the PGT pilot study. Only after I transferred did another doctor explain the details, and I felt ashamed that I had paid for it.

This was my first IVF cycle since turning 40, and thankfully I became pregnant on the first try! Only 8 eggs were retrieved, so the pain was severe... I never want to go through egg retrieval again, but fortunately 5 of the 8 eggs fertilized successfully through IVF, and the remaining 4 are still stored. The hospital waits were long and the doctors and nurses varied in attitude, but they were generally practical. I believe results matter most, so I am very grateful! I am now 21 weeks pregnant and safely in the stable stage. I think this hospital's embryologists are highly skilled. If I consider a second child, I will definitely use your services again. Thank you so much! P.S. I am 42 and pregnant with my second child after a frozen blastocyst transfer, and I have reached the stable stage! Thank you again for a successful pregnancy on the first transfer! Our first child was born safely and is now a healthy 1½-year-old (^^) I will let you know when the baby is born safely (^^) Thank you so much! P.S. Thanks to you, I safely delivered a healthy baby a few days ago, and both mother and baby are doing well! Given my age, I had worried about whether to have prenatal testing, but ultimately delivered without it. Thanks to you, I had nothing to worry about. The delivery went very smoothly, and my postpartum recovery has also been good. I only started trying to conceive after 40, so I feel incredibly lucky to have such a lovely child! Thank you so much!!

After several years of treatment at another clinic, I applied for an initial consultation but was immediately refused because the age limit was 46 and I was 47. It felt inconsistent because some patients may first visit before age 47 and continue afterward. They also refused when I asked only for a second opinion. Doctors at my other clinic have said my cycles are within the usual range, and I can continue treatment, so this hospital gave me the impression that it excludes patients to improve its success statistics. It felt like the inflexibility of a large hospital, with greater emphasis on manuals than individualized policies.

After unsuccessful treatment at two other clinics, I chose this as my last option. The commute was about two hours and difficult, but I became pregnant within a year at age 41. I did not try acupuncture or similar therapies, only the supplements recommended here. When I conceived, my husband and I ate a vegetable-based, high-protein diet, so I believe patients should also make their own effort rather than placing all responsibility on the clinic. The service here was much better than at my previous clinics. I never found the doctors or nurses unfriendly. They were straightforward in a good way. At my previous clinic, doctors were often emotional and arrogant, perhaps because there were no nearby competitors and patients came to them by default. This clinic is centrally located in a competitive area, so its appointment system and staff are efficient, and I had no complaints or mistrust. Egg retrieval without anesthesia was painful, but when I spoke up, the nurses held my hand and encouraged me. The pain was tolerable even though I have a low pain threshold and had previously undergone retrieval under general anesthesia elsewhere. If this concern is keeping you from coming here, I do not think you need to worry. Doctors, from younger to highly experienced, clearly explain everything you want to know. At my previous clinic, doctors became angry when I asked questions or told me to go elsewhere if I did not follow their instructions. This clinic has a broad selection of experienced doctors. They also attend conferences, so I believe they stay current with new techniques. Treatment here was worthwhile. Every time I see my daughter, I feel grateful to this clinic.

The doctor in the consultation room was Chinese, and the doctor and nurses in the egg retrieval room were also Chinese. Is this a Chinese hospital or a Japanese-run one? If it operates in Japan, it should show some awareness of Japanese service standards. Apart from the nurse in the retrieval room, the Chinese doctors were impatient, unwilling to answer questions, rushed you out, and acted indifferent about whether you proceeded. It was a poor experience, and I only completed treatment because of the gentle care from the Japanese nurses. I do not want to return.

I am in my early thirties and transferred from another clinic with high expectations, but the service was worse than expected, so I do not plan to return. My initial consultation with the director was positive; he was kind, attentive, and empathetic. However, treatment was not adapted to each person's condition, and staff did not listen to patients. Even when I explained what I understood about my own body, they followed a fixed protocol. When things went poorly, such as retrieval timing or very low egg numbers, they casually suggested trying again without regard for the financial and physical burden. Their record is reassuring, but action comes only after failure. For both retrievals, doctors ignored me. The first time, I explained that I ovulate much earlier than average and requested adjusted medication and injections, but they scheduled by average timing; the injection was too late, and only two eggs were retrieved. The second time, they attempted the same schedule. I insisted on an earlier injection, but the interval was too short and many eggs were immature. One doctor was consistently terrible. His internal examinations were careless, his comments irresponsible and contrary to other doctors, his manner arrogant, and he doubted patients while using strings of unexplained jargon. Fortunately, other kind doctors clearly explained my condition and next steps and encouraged me. Overall, their treatment and scheduling made patients feel like sources of revenue. They prioritized expensive care. Despite insurance, I lost substantial money without having a child. They said my youth allowed more attempts, but patients are not hospital experiments!

I received infertility treatment at another hospital for about two years without success, so as a last resort I transferred here. Perhaps it was coincidence, but the first attempt succeeded. The doctors were kind and explained everything clearly, so I have no complaints. I am very grateful to them. To everyone beginning treatment: trust the doctors and do your best! I believe you will succeed!

I am 32 years old and have unexplained infertility. I have received infertility treatment for four years. I first tried timed intercourse with my regular gynecologist. I then went to a well-known clinic in Yokohama. Over two years, I completed six artificial inseminations, five egg retrievals, and two blastocyst transfers without a positive outcome. Although one doctor did not explain things clearly and one receptionist left a poor impression, the nurses and doctors were kind and the clinic was clean, so I had few complaints. However, the lack of results became emotionally exhausting, so I decided to start over at another hospital. At Kato Ladies Clinic, I received treatment for nine months, with three egg retrievals and two blastocyst transfers. Implantation succeeded in March, and I am currently awaiting further progress. Compared with my previous clinic, the advantages are: ① Far fewer injections. (Previously, I received daily Gonal injections from the end of menstruation until egg retrieval, along with abdominal and intramuscular injections, for a total of 12 injections. I developed eosinophilic angioedema. I felt the burden was excessive and consulted the director, but he was rude because the hospital prioritized retrieving as many eggs as possible. At Kato Ladies Clinic, Gonal injections were kept to a minimum, which was much easier emotionally.) ② Fertilization and blastocyst-freezing results are available through the app without visiting the clinic. (Previously, fertilization results were given by phone. To learn blastocyst-freezing results, I had to take time off, visit the clinic, wait for hours, and then hear, “Unfortunately, this time...” It was painful.) ③ Because of ① and ②, I visited the clinic far less often. ④ Wait times were short. ⑤ There was no wait for payment. (If you register a credit card in the hospital app, you can leave immediately after the appointment. At my previous hospital, I sometimes waited an hour to pay.) My embryos have difficulty reaching the blastocyst stage. At my previous hospital, five egg retrievals produced only two frozen blastocysts. At one point, nine eggs produced only two frozen blastocysts. At Kato Ladies Clinic, one retrieval produced two frozen blastocysts. In total, three retrievals yielded four eggs and ultimately one blastocyst. It was my first time obtaining two frozen blastocysts from one retrieval, and I realized that retrieving more eggs does not necessarily mean finding higher-quality eggs. This may simply reflect my body, so it is important to find a clinic offering treatment suited to your individual condition. There are many doctors, so I saw someone different almost every visit, and each doctor has a distinct personality. The most frustrating one mechanically repeated the same words when I could not hear him, haha. Still, I never had an unpleasant experience. When I asked about PGT-A, which was not covered by insurance and therefore not offered, they explained it in detail. Although this clinic may be a last resort, it is not divine. Only after delivery can you say, “Those really were good-quality eggs.” I felt the same, but tried to view their advanced technology as guiding me along the shortest path if something went wrong before implantation. The thought of losing time before the deadline while my husband and I suffered unknowingly was unbearable, so I am very grateful for this clinic. I will be very happy if the pregnancy continues to term, but even now, I feel glad every day that I switched to Kato Ladies Clinic. *April 19, 2025: Graduated from the clinic *May 12, 2025: Passed 12 weeks and entered the second trimester *July 29, 2025: Entered week 23 and received the mid-pregnancy report from Kato Ladies Clinic

I transferred from another hospital, and the doctors' detailed, careful explanations made me regret not transferring sooner. Although the outcome was the same, they did everything possible. Even though it did not work, I accepted that transferring had been necessary.

This hospital handles many cases and has well-established protocols. For better or worse, treatment and consultations are highly organized. Advantages - Treatment policies are clear, with little confusion. - Payment can be completed smoothly through the app. Disadvantages - Insured treatment feels more standardized and impersonal. - Because the attending doctor changes each time, examinations and treatment can sometimes be problematic, especially communication and pain during procedures involving instruments. - The children's activity area has been gone since the COVID-19 pandemic. It suits people seeking efficient treatment but may not suit those wanting more personalized service. I assumed the long waits were unavoidable because there were many patients, and I became accustomed to them.

After previously visiting two hospitals, I transferred here. Following two egg retrievals and two transfers, I ultimately became pregnant with my second child, for which I am deeply grateful. Egg retrieval here is performed without anesthesia, but personally I found it less painful than retrieval at my previous hospital. At other hospitals, I experienced retrieval under local anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia, and without anesthesia. Because the anesthetic side effects and retrieval pain had been severe, I was surprised that retrieval here was almost painless and felt I could undergo it as many times as needed. The doctors and staff are calm. Given how many patients they see each day, about 500 on busy days, I expected the care might feel mechanical. However, I never heard anything unpleasant or inconsiderate and was never dissatisfied overall. At my first visit, I wondered what the director’s consultation would be like. The director listened carefully to my previous treatment history and answered my questions, which reassured me. Waiting times are especially long on weekends. Although they have made efforts, such as tracking through an app, I think this is unavoidable with so many patients. Perhaps because the waits are long, some people leave after their name is called and do not return, and waiting for them may ultimately affect everyone’s wait. Patients also contribute to the problem. I recommend going early in the morning or from afternoon into evening on weekdays, when it seems less crowded. I am also very grateful that they are open early and operate 365 days a year. Before transferring here, I had undergone high-stimulation infertility treatment at other hospitals for about four years, so I was initially concerned about this low-stimulation approach. However, I believe their method of carefully cultivating high-quality eggs is based on extensive experience, and I am glad I trusted them with my care. Thank you very much.

I am currently undergoing IVF at another hospital but wanted more information, so I contacted them. A woman at this hospital sternly told me, ‘We do not provide second opinions!’ This hospital apparently does not offer second opinions, so if that is what you are seeking, it is best not to contact them. We had not intended to proceed there anyway, but the response was disappointing. I think this may suit people who can become pregnant even under stress and those willing to entrust their bodies to a doctor who speaks in a threatening manner. It was not suitable for my wife, so leaving early appears to have been the right decision.

Today was my second egg retrieval. Last time, there was no communication at all. I was anxious and in severe pain, and fertilization was unsuccessful. I had planned to switch hospitals if this attempt did not work. The female doctor and nurses today were very kind. They spoke to me politely and kept the pain to a minimum. After the procedure, my tears were less about the result and more tears of relief. I think I can keep going a little longer.

I have been coming here since July. Before my August egg retrieval, the doctor prescribed a nasal spray and told me, ‘For your next egg retrieval, pack it with an ice pack and bring it with the ice pack. If you do not keep it in your refrigerator at home, you cannot use it.’ So I brought it. I was told it could no longer be used if it was not refrigerated. The egg retrieval took a long time, and I carried it around for a day. No one told me to keep it because I would use it again, and I had been told it was a strong hormone. Since I have a young child at home, I threw it away. After the retrieval, I went to the hospital to check whether my uterine lining was ready for transfer. They found an endometrial polyp and said I could not have a transfer without surgery, so they referred me to a hospital, and I had surgery as soon as possible. The doctor who received the referral was also considerate and saw me promptly so I could have the transfer as soon as possible. However, I had been away for more than 2 months. But did you not document this? As soon as I was cleared after the postoperative check, I made an appointment with Kato, but he asked, ‘Why did it take so long?’ Did you not document it? I assume I did this because they said the transfer could not proceed without surgery. More importantly, when asked, ‘What about the nasal spray?’ I said, ‘I threw it away,’ and she scolded me hysterically: ‘It has not expired. Why did you throw it away?’ When I said no one told me to keep it, he said, ‘It had not expired, so I am sure there was no benefit to throwing it away.’ (Where is the expiration date?) When I said, ‘If I had to keep it, you should have explained that properly,’ he said, ‘I did not tell anyone else.’ Why did you not explain it when you gave me the medication? Am I expected to know? I was told it controlled ovulation, but they did not explain when it would be used beyond the retrieval, and it was not written on the paper they gave me. This may be routine for you, but it was my first time, so I cannot understand unless it is explained. It was not covered by insurance—this was the first time I learned that prescription insurance covers it once every six months—so I was told to pay out of pocket, which I did. The Japanese nurse Katagoto. It was extremely rude to blame him for not having enough time. The doctor gave no detailed explanation, only ‘Please return on ◯.’ Is a medical explanation not necessary? Some nurses are so unfriendly and rude that I do not even want to give them a ⭐︎ rating. In November, when my husband called to discuss what had happened a few days earlier, a doctor named Hta suddenly said to me, ‘If you want to go to court, you can, but of course I am confident we will win.’ I was shocked. My husband had not mentioned a lawsuit. How was it communicated? I felt threatened, and it was frightening. I did not adjust my work schedule and struggle to have the transfer only to be threatened. Terrifying, terrifying. Regarding nurse Katagoto, they finally said, ‘Because they are not Japanese.’ What? It does not necessarily have to be in Japanese, does it? If all I hear next time is a judgment, I will never return.

I felt much of the treatment was impersonal. I think this hospital suits people who do not mind having everything handled according to established procedures and manuals rather than receiving individualized care.

I began treatment here in May, and after my second transfer the following January, I was able to deliver safely. I heard from another doctor that the culture medium was very good, so I chose this clinic. Friends are often surprised that egg retrieval is performed without anesthesia, but because this is a low-stimulation method and only a few eggs are retrieved, it was not unbearable. Many people call it a conveyor belt, but I found it efficient and appreciated that while working. If I went first thing in the morning, I did not have to sacrifice much work time, which was helpful. I would like to return here for my second child.

It is all about money... In terms of management, they focus heavily on cost and may be perfect at that, but as a hospital providing infertility treatment, I would give it one star. After my online consultation, I told the online doctor that I could not collect my blood-test results because Shinjuku was far away. He seemed bothered and asked, “Can I send them cash on delivery?” (He explained everything in poor Japanese, and I wondered whether he was really a doctor.) To my surprise, it was just one sheet of paper sent cash on delivery. I was also surprised when Sagawa Express delivered it the next day. 950 yen... Regular mail would have been fine. I was not in a hurry. Because the medical care and reception are mechanical, I do not recommend this service for people whose emotional well-being may be affected by fertility issues. After my first visit, I felt this place was impossible. I had been scheduled to learn self-injections and prepare for egg retrieval, but it was canceled, and of course I still had to pay for the self-injection medication I had not even used. I saw the director at my first visit, and it was very stressful. When I said I work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, I said I could come the following Saturday afternoon. “What? We usually do not work Saturday afternoons!” he said angrily... It was my first visit, so I had no way of knowing. After the appointment, I asked the director where I should wait, since patients were called from different areas for reception and examinations. He pointed to a sofa outside the examination room and told me to sit there... I was treated like an object. They promote an approach close to natural conception and show a video about it, but that is not the reality. Once you are over 40, you use self-injections. Because I did not want hormone injections, I transferred to another hospital. How is it different from other hospitals? Hardly at all. I think the prices are high. The initial consultation alone cost about 60,000 yen, including all fees. The business is too aggressive. I felt they viewed patients only as sources of income. A friend had several unsuccessful egg retrievals here, transferred to another hospital, and became pregnant after one attempt. I find it unsettling for a long-established infertility hospital. This is long, but I do not recommend it.

I conceived my second child, a girl, here. Three of my friends also received treatment here, so I decided that if I pursued care, I would go to KLC. At age 37, my AMH was as low as 0.756 ng/ml, but I became pregnant after my first egg retrieval and first transfer through IVF and graduated 3 months after my initial diagnosis. With insurance, the total cost was approximately 200,000 yen. There are always many patients, and care moves like a conveyor belt. It is not an environment where every patient receives individualized treatment or where one doctor—the doctor changes at each consultation—carefully listens to the patient’s story. That appears to be KLC’s style. Therefore, I do not think it suits people who want individually tailored infertility treatment. My family lives far from KLC. I am very grateful. (P.S. I delivered safely, and my daughter is now 1 year and 7 months old and growing well! Looking back at the blastocyst photo feels strange, and I am truly grateful 🙏)

I conceived my first child here. I was happy because this result came after transferring from another hospital. However, when I returned while trying for my second child, new doctors often skipped important explanations and medications and sent me directly to checkout. It saddened me that a woman who had already given birth would be treated this way. The nurses in the procedure room were all very kind and dependable. The hospital does use a low-stimulation approach, so often only one or two eggs are retrieved. I was surprised that the explanations were more detailed than at other hospitals I had visited.

Being able to see a doctor 365 days a year is extremely helpful. Many infertility clinics have numerous holidays, but this is KLC’s greatest advantage. A female OB-GYN who had conceived through IVF at KLC told me about the clinic. I attended an information session and immediately scheduled my first consultation. I underwent two egg retrievals and two transfers—the first required assisted hatching. I am now the mother of a 5-month-old child. Postscript In January 2024, while trying for my first child, I became pregnant and gave birth to a girl after 2 frozen embryo transfers, 1 egg retrieval, and 1 transfer. Eight eggs were retrieved, and I conceived with the highest-grade blastocyst. There seem to be many advantages and disadvantages, but I am truly grateful to have two children. I did not encounter anyone as bad as some reviews describe. Some doctors are reserved, but no amount of kindness alone would have made me pregnant. There are also many friendly doctors, receptionists, and nurses here!

Initial diagnosis in September 2024, egg retrieval in October 2024, transfer in December 2024, pregnancy and graduation in January 2025. Fortunately, the egg retrieval and transfer both succeeded on the first attempt, which I believe reflects the high technical standards at Kato Ladies Clinic. I was impressed by everyone’s professionalism, including the doctors, nurses, receptionists, telephone staff, and their ability to share information. Many reviews describe the care as impersonal or rushed because there are so many patients, but the care was substantive and I was never dissatisfied. I live abroad and received treatment while temporarily back in the country. They were very helpful and responded smoothly to my requests and concerns, as expected from a large, long-established clinic. The clinic generally uses a low-stimulation approach without anesthesia—I used local anesthesia—and natural cycles, so suitability likely varies by person. I was fortunate not to need many medications and did not experience excessive physical or emotional strain. Medical services are available 365 days a year, which gave me peace of mind because my schedule is difficult to adjust. I believe results are what matter, so I am very grateful to Kato Ladies Clinic. I still have some frozen embryos and may use them again in the future.

I cannot get through by phone at all. No matter how many different times I try, the line remains busy, even though I am calling according to the hospital’s instructions. With so many people at reception, why not add more phone lines? This only wastes time. Please improve this.

I went to this hospital as my final option. The doctor was polite, easy to understand, and accurately addressed the problem. Other systems, including billing, were also designed from the patient’s perspective. For example, you can register a credit card in the app so you do not have to wait at checkout.

Do you support English-speaking patients?

I transferred from another hospital because this is a well-known clinic. At my first appointment, the receptionist loudly stated private details such as my name, age, treatment history, and health, where everyone in the waiting room could hear. I hope this is fixed soon. I underwent egg retrieval almost every month for a year without success. My previous hospital was warm and attentive, with clean, new facilities and encouraging doctors, so I was surprised by how cold and systematic the care was here. The building is old. Although disposable slippers were provided for hygiene during retrieval, I had to use old shared vinyl slippers barefoot in the restroom outside the retrieval room, which worried me. I wiped my feet with my own disinfectant wipes; they should at least provide some. The same process is repeated each month, so unless you research and suggest or ask about options yourself, time simply passes. The doctor is famous in Tokyo and often appears on television, so there are many patients and probably many successful cases. At my previous hospital, embryos could be cultured to the blastocyst stage and we had several transfers. Here we had only one transfer, and the result was sent only by email. Neither my doctor nor the embryologist explained the result, leaving me confused. With so many patients, efficiency comes first, so this clinic may suit people who understand that. There is only one phone line for questions about anything you forgot to ask the doctor or concerns such as medication combinations, and it is always busy. The same line handles bookings and changes after the previous afternoon, which could be improved. Their mild-stimulation and natural-conception policy sounds good at first, but I felt they did not do everything possible to help. It may therefore not suit younger patients. Waits are long, and egg retrieval without anesthesia is extremely painful. Some reviews say the pain is tolerable, but you simply have no choice but to endure it. Sometimes a nurse spoke kindly during needle insertion and helped me relax; at other painful retrievals, an intimidating nurse watched in silence. It did not work for me, but I hope everyone currently receiving treatment achieves a successful pregnancy.

I found it mechanical and the culture poor. I think it is intended for younger people. Most frustrating of all was being asked to pay a fee under the name of blastocyst termination charges.

At age 38, I made one final attempt in November. I graduated today in February. The only medications I used for egg retrieval were Clomid and a nasal spray. At other hospitals, I had tried many medications and self-injections for two years without success and had two miscarriages. Two eggs were retrieved, and blastocysts were frozen. One transfer was positive. Thank you very much. I hope for a safe delivery. Thank you again. Update: April. I am now in the stable period. September. My pregnancy is nearing its end.

After several IVF attempts at other hospitals, I transferred here and had a positive result from my fourth attempt, so overall it was good. However, there were several older doctors I disliked, so I tried to avoid them. The doctor for my successful fourth egg retrieval was young and kind. Fertility treatment is painful, and I believe care with humanity is more likely to succeed. The doctors can be forceful and impersonal, and the hospital feels like an assembly line. But when my test was positive, I did not have to deal with the older, unpleasant doctors. Everyone—from doctors and nurses to staff—spoke warmly to me, and I felt their humanity.

A clinic featured on TV Tokyo's Nettai Tairiku. It appears to rank first among Tokyo hospitals, including large hospitals, in numbers of births, pregnancies, and transfers.

A no-frills hospital. Egg retrieval without anesthesia was extremely painful, and the doctor's explanations were impersonal. However, the technical skill is undeniable. I transferred to 2 other clinics but ultimately returned here and safely had my first child.

Although I had an ovarian cyst, luteal phase deficiency, and an AMH of 0.3, I became pregnant after one egg retrieval and one transfer, and graduated from the clinic in 2024/4. Because my AMH was low, I decided from the outset to seek high-quality treatment at KLC, and this proved to be the right decision. The clinic is open year-round, appointments are available on the desired dates, and because it uses mild stimulation, egg retrieval requires only about 3 clinic visits. Apart from the retrieval and transfer days, I rarely had to take time off work. The process is simple and follows standard instructions, so I was free to request any treatment I wanted. If you have no questions, the consultation ends after a few minutes, which is understandable because the clinic sees about 500 people a day. I understood KLC's approach, so I prepared my questions before seeing the doctor and gathered information myself. I did not mind concise answers because I was focused on results, but I do not think the clinic suits passive patients or those seeking careful, empathetic listening. At many clinics, more than 10 eggs may be retrieved but it can still be difficult to produce a single blastocyst, while strong stimulation places stress on the body. IVF is not simply a matter of "having a few injections." In the end, all I wanted was one child. With that in mind, I realized that high-quality culture technology is extremely important in advanced fertility treatment. I am glad I consulted KLC. It has been a while, but I would also like your help having a second child. Thank you very much.

I transferred here because a friend had a baby at this clinic. Waiting times are similar everywhere, so I appreciated being able to go home without waiting to pay, as payment is made through the app. Because the stimulation is mild, I feel it may not suit people in their 40s... The hardest part was egg retrieval. Because it is performed without anesthesia, the level of pain varies greatly depending on the doctor. My two most recent retrievals were so painful that I decided to transfer elsewhere. I understand that you handle a very large number of patients. Both retrieval and transfer were performed in complete silence. Being told coldly not to move broke my heart every time... I attended for about a year, but because of my age I transferred to a clinic that uses stronger stimulation. I think it suits people of an appropriate age, and it is easier on the body because medication is not required.

The doctor who explained things before my egg retrieval spoke too quickly and was difficult to understand. I received a referral letter at my first visit and went to another hospital, so some time passed after that initial appointment. I was concerned about whether I had rubella antibodies, so when I noticed a gap in the process, I called and asked them to contact me if the antibody result was low. When I returned here after visiting the other hospital, the doctor told me that because my antibody level was low, I could not undergo an embryo transfer for the next two months. There seemed to be no record of what I had said on the phone. I knew fertility treatment would have to pause for a period after vaccination, so I tried to remind them, but it made no difference. I was told that a delay of about two months would not be a problem. What upset me was that the doctor did not seem concerned about trying to shorten those two months as much as possible. I will continue visiting for now, but I am considering transferring to another hospital.

I am 32 and had four unsuccessful transfers over about two years. All of the transferred fertilized eggs were high quality. I grew tired of doctors who remained focused on mild stimulation and kept using the same approach, so I transferred to another hospital. Although the culture technology is advanced, the doctors do not seem genuinely concerned about their patients. They did not try to identify the cause or explore other approaches, while I simply wanted a successful outcome. Also, appointments seem pointless because the wait is always so long. I think they should reconsider several aspects of their service.

Because I have endometriosis and adenomyosis, I expected infertility treatment to be a long struggle, but thanks to the advanced technology I conceived and delivered safely in less than a year. The examinations were efficient and smooth, and all the staff were polite. I have no complaints. At the end of each consultation, the doctor would ask, "Do you have any questions?" and was very kind. Depending on the consultation, visits took anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Payment is made through the app, so it is very convenient to go home after seeing the doctor. Because of my endometriosis, egg retrieval was not easy. To be honest, it hurt whenever my abdomen was pressed, but the nurses encouraged me and helped me get through it. I admire the staff for caring for so many patients every day, 365 days a year, 365 days a year. Only at Kato Ladies Clinic was I able to balance work and treatment. I would also be happy to return for help having a second child.

Because the clinic uses mild stimulation, depending on the results you may need multiple egg retrievals without anesthesia. My impression is that this clinic may not suit people who have limited time to conceive. The wait is long in any case. The experience varies greatly depending on the doctor treating you. Sometimes they did not listen to what I was saying or examined me after confusing my information with another patient's. This clinic uses mild stimulation, so it may suit people whose embryos are likely to reach the blastocyst stage. For those whose embryos do not, however, I think stronger stimulation to retrieve more eggs may increase the chances of embryo development. For people hoping for a second child, it may be better to obtain several blastocysts through stronger stimulation while younger and use the remaining blastocysts for the second child; I think that may also be safer for the child. However, because they assess the condition of the uterus, they can identify cases where uterine problems are preventing pregnancy, which I feel reduces unnecessary transfers.

I have seen comments here and there, but I never felt that the doctors or reception staff had a poor attitude. The nurses are also skilled at drawing blood. I also liked being able to pay through the app and leave quickly. The wait is quite long on Sundays, so I avoided them whenever possible. On weekdays, I was never there for more than 2 hours. I am now in the stable stage of pregnancy and am truly glad I received care here. If I deliver safely, I plan to add an update. Thank you very much. Update I safely delivered a healthy 3100g baby boy. I am truly grateful! I would also like to return for my second child.

My first transfer implanted, and I successfully graduated. A natural-cycle clinic using fewer medications may not suit everyone, but it suited me. Many reviews say egg retrieval is performed without anesthesia. However, when several eggs were to be retrieved, the doctor asked whether I preferred local anesthesia or none and let me choose carefully in advance. Do not worry: being a natural-cycle clinic does not mean anesthesia is unavailable. I am very grateful to Kato Ladies Clinic for providing this treatment in such a short time. Thank you very much.

We do not recommend this place to anyone with insurance. I went for three years because it was inexpensive. I continued receiving the same treatment without any changes. You are simply a paying customer on a conveyor belt. After three years without progress, I thought they should suggest alternatives. When I requested this, a senior staff member responded overbearingly and said this would be the only exception. That ended the discussion. It is cheap, so it may be acceptable if paying out of pocket. If you have insurance, many hospitals offer more personalized treatment. Their high birth count reflects a very large patient volume. As many patients leave, just as many new ones arrive. I also question their technical skill. The basic point is that this hospital has spent years misleading women who feel unable to speak up. If you see no results within six months, stop treatment here. As others have said, it is a waste of time.

I underwent fertility treatment elsewhere for two years without results, but became pregnant within a year of starting treatment here. The hospital is clean, and the receptionists and doctors create a pleasant atmosphere. I am glad I came! I recommend it even if it is a little far away.

On the day of my wife's egg retrieval, I happened to have time off work. I accompanied her so I could provide the freshest possible sperm sample. I asked whether the hospital had a collection room. I was told none was available and that the restroom could not be used, so I had to go outside to collect the sample. I could not believe my ears. I had already disliked the doctor's purely pragmatic manner. I was told, 'Go somewhere else.' I immediately decided to cancel and seek another option. At minimum, we must protect our dignity as human beings.