History of Eugenics Social Studies 20

Definition A social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention It has been regarded as a social responsibility, an altruistic (practice of selfless concern for the well- being of others) stance in society Meant to create healthier, strong and/or intelligent people To save resources To lessen human suffering

Historical elements Justified under state-sponsored discrimination Forced Sterilization of populations (genetically defective) Killing of institutionalized peoples

Locations Germany Japan Canada United States Australia Social Democratic Sweden

http://people. clarkson http://people.clarkson.edu/~sheilafw/classes/hp201/grayscience/images/States%20with%20eugenics%20laws.jpg

Canada Sexual Sterilization Act (1928) Eugenics (Good Birth) Alberta government sought to limit the reproduction of many kinds of people (visible minorities, ‘feeble-minded’) They attributed much of the rise of crime, poverty, alcoholism and other vices to these people

http://images.salon.com/books/review/2006/03/04/bruinius/story.jpg

Amendments 1937 - Dr. W.W. Cross (Minister of Health) deemed the Act too restrictive Permitted to sterilize for the benefit of the human race rather than the individual 1942 - broaden the category of mental patients who could be directed to undergo sterilization The Alberta Eugenics Board intended to increase the pace of sterilization

1928 - 1972 Almost 3000 people were sterilized Regardless of reasons in support - the individuals ability to reproduce is viewed as a violation of their constitutional rights Furthermore, research has shown that mentally challenged people are no more likely to produce offspring with similar impediment than the population at large

Tools of the Trade http://statismwatch.ca/1997/06/ http://www.nfb.ca/collection/films/fiche/medias.php?id=33077&idMF=5

Leilani Muir She spent most of her life living in foster homes 1955, entered the Michener Centre in Red Deer, Alberta’s Provincial Training School for Mental Defectives IQ/Interviewed - deemed a ‘moron’ She was never told of the operation In 1971, she discovered she could not have children after speaking to her doctor.

Muir Continued She brought charges against the Alberta legislation in 1996 It set a precedent for many future settlements awarded to other sterilization victims She was awarded $740 000 for wrongful sterilization and wrongful confinement Over 1200 victims have brought suits against the Alberta Government

Assignment 10 minutes Why is eugenics appealing to the public? Why is eugenics considered appealing/appalling? 5 minutes - Get together with a few classmates (4 max) and discuss your answers

Thoughts/Comments What did you think about those that suffered under the Alberta government? How did the economics of the province play into people’s actions and attitudes?

Human Rights Article Reflecting upon the “Human Rights” article I gave you, are there any comments, suggestions or ideas?