A Japanese woman has apologised to her employers for getting pregnant 'before their turn'. The expecting mother was reprimanded by her boss for "selfishly breaking the rules" and not adhering to the office rules. The woman works at a private childcare centre in Aichi prefecture in north Japan, where female staff are allowed to marry and have children but have a designated time when they can plan their pregnancy.

They are given a time period only during which they are allowed to have children. The incident came to light after the unnamed woman's husband wrote an open letter to a Japanese leading newspaper, Mainichi Shimbun, describing how his wife felt 'glum and anxious' about her pregnancy.

He said, "The director at the child care centre where she works had determined the order in which workers could get married or pregnant, and apparently there was an unspoken rule that one must not take their 'turn' before a senior staff member."

He further writes, "Childcare providers sacrifice their own children to care for the children of others. It is a noble profession that nurtures children who will forge the future of this country." While the couple personally went to the director of the business to apologise, they continued to bully her on it.

He added, "I respect my wife for her commitment to her profession, and continue to encourage her. The conditions of those working to nurture and care for children are evidence of a backward country." After the incident made headlines, people are raising voice against the practise saying it is a violation of human rights.

Employees working with the child care had earlier received an email with a warning that 'work gets backed up if four or more people take time off at the same time. Selfish behavior will be subject to punishment.' Despite having fertility issues, the woman was told by a supervisor that she would have to wait until age 35 before getting pregnant.

The incident comes as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is facing criticisms for telling women of the country to work to improve the struggling economy and carry more children to support the falling population, without proper childcare facilities to support the both.

Japan is infamous for its long working hours. A 2015 government survey revealed that one in five were dismissed from their jobs for becoming pregnant. World Economic Forum Global Gender Equality rankings also stated maternity harassment was a major issue at workplaces in the country.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 04, 2018 11:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).