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Eugenic Sterilization and Child Welfare in the Twentieth Century

Alex Foster

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Published in Fixing The Poor: Eugenic Sterilization And Child Welfare In The Twentieth Century

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A Comprehensive History

This book is a comprehensive history of the eugenic sterilization movement in the United States. It examines the scientific, social, and legal factors that led to the passage of sterilization laws in many states, and traces the impact of these laws on the lives of countless individuals. The book also explores the broader context of child welfare in the twentieth century, and the ways in which eugenic sterilization intersected with other social welfare policies.

Fixing the Poor: Eugenic Sterilization and Child Welfare in the Twentieth Century

by Culley C Carson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3738 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	300 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Scientific and Social Roots of Eugenic Sterilization

The eugenic sterilization movement emerged in the late nineteenth century as a response to concerns about the increasing number of people who were being deemed "unfit" to reproduce. These concerns were based on a variety of factors, including fears about the spread of mental illness, poverty, and criminality. Eugenicists argued that by sterilizing these individuals, society could prevent the transmission of their "defects" to future generations.

The eugenic sterilization movement gained momentum in the early twentieth century, as a result of the rise of the eugenics movement. Eugenics was a scientific theory that argued that human beings could be improved through selective breeding. Eugenicists believed that by promoting the reproduction of "fit" individuals and discouraging the reproduction of "unfit" individuals, society could create a healthier and more intelligent population.

Legalization of Sterilization

The first state to legalize eugenic sterilization was Indiana, in 1907. By the end of the 1930s, thirty-one states had passed sterilization laws. These laws varied in their specific provisions, but they all shared the common goal of preventing the reproduction of people who were deemed to be "unfit." The individuals who were targeted for sterilization under these laws included people with mental illness, epilepsy, feeblemindedness, and other disabilities.

The eugenic sterilization movement reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s. During this time, over 60,000 people were sterilized in the United States. The majority of these individuals were women, and many of them were sterilized without their consent or understanding.

Impact on Individuals and Families

The eugenic sterilization movement had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. For many, sterilization meant a loss of reproductive freedom and the opportunity to have children. For others, it meant a further stigmatization of their disabilities and a lifetime of shame and isolation.

In addition to its impact on individuals, the eugenic sterilization movement also had a negative impact on families. Sterilization often led to the breakup of families, as spouses who were sterilized were no longer able to have children. It also created a sense of fear and mistrust within families, as individuals worried that they or their children might be targeted for sterilization.

Decline of the Eugenic Sterilization Movement

The eugenic sterilization movement began to decline in the mid-twentieth century. A number of factors contributed to this decline, including the growing awareness of the abuses that had occurred under the sterilization laws, the rise of the civil rights movement, and the development of new medical technologies that made it possible to treat many of the disabilities that had previously been considered to be "unfit."

In 1972, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Buck v. Bell that eugenic sterilization laws were unconstitutional. This ruling effectively ended the practice of eugenic sterilization in the United States.

Legacy of Eugenic Sterilization

The eugenic sterilization movement has left a lasting legacy in the United States. The abuses that occurred under the sterilization laws have led to a deep mistrust of the medical establishment and the government among many people with disabilities. The movement also continues to cast a shadow over the field of genetics, as scientists continue to grapple with the ethical implications of genetic research.

The book "Eugenic Sterilization and Child Welfare in the Twentieth Century" is a timely and important examination of this dark chapter in American history. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific, social, and legal factors that led to the passage of sterilization laws, and traces the impact of these laws on the lives of countless individuals. The book also explores the broader context of child welfare in the twentieth century, and the ways in which eugenic sterilization intersected with other social welfare policies.

This book is essential reading for anyone who is interested in the history of eugenics, the history of child welfare, or the intersection of science and social policy.

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Fixing the Poor: Eugenic Sterilization and Child Welfare in the Twentieth Century

by Culley C Carson

4.8 out of 5