Involuntary Sterilization in the United States: A Surgical Solution

摘要: Although the eugenics movement in United States flourished during first quarter of 20th Century, its roots lie concerns over cost caring for "defective" persons, that became manifest 19th Century. The history state-supported programs involuntary sterilization indicates this "surgical solution" persisted until 1950s. A review archives prominent eugenicists, records eugenic organizations, important legal cases, and state reports public support insane retarded persons was broad sustained. During early 1930s there a dramatic increase number sterilizations performed upon mildly young women. This change policy product Depression. Institutional officials were concerned such women might bear children whom they could not provide adequate parental care, thus would put more demands on strained social services. There is little evidence to suggest excesses Nazi program (initiated 1934) altered American programs. Data are presented here show quite active long after scientists had refuted thesis.