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The Horrifying Truth of the Eugenics Movement
How “Eugenics” law of the early 20th century forced sterilization and stepped on people’s rights
In the early 20th century, people in America didn’t have the same civil rights they have today. The federal government was largely in control of the society and the passing of the laws it deemed fit.
One of the worst things that the American government did to its people was to introduce compulsory sterilization. This dates matter back to the 1920s when the Eugenics movement was born. The movement targeted thousands of people deemed unfit for procreating and forced them into sterilization. Compulsory sterilization laws were adopted by over 30 states.
The law predominantly targeted socially disadvantaged and marginalized groups. All these groups were deemed to be unfit for society. Among the people who underwent state-mandated sterilization practices were mentally disabled, deaf, blind and diseased, minority ethnic groups, and “promiscuous women.” These groups of people were forced into sterilization involuntarily. No papers of consent were signed on their behalf.
Adam Cohen, the author of Imbeciles: The Supreme Court, American Eugenics, and the Sterilization of Carrie Buck says, “The eugenicists looked at evolution and survival of…
