California Once Targeted Latinas for Forced Sterilization
California Once Targeted Latinas for Forced Sterilization
In the 20th century, U.S. eugenics programs rendered tens of thousands of people infertile
By Nicole L. Novak and Natalie Lira, The Conversation
smithsonian.com
March 22, 2018
In 1942, 18-year-old Iris Lopez, a Mexican-American woman, started working at the Calship Yards in Los Angeles. Working on the home front building Victory Ships not only added to the war effort, but allowed Iris to support her family.
Iris’ participation in the World War II effort made her part of a celebrated time in U.S. history, when economic opportunities opened up for women and youth of color. However, before joining the shipyards, Iris was entangled in another lesser-known history.
. . .
Iris wasn’t alone. In the first half of the 20th century, approximately 60,000 people were sterilized under U.S. eugenics programs. Eugenic laws in 32 states empowered government officials in public health, social work and state institutions to render people they deemed “unfit” infertile.
Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/california-targeted-latinas-forced-sterilization-180968567/#bd8uUQ8YkJgPy6QX.99