American eugenic sterilization laws preceded and outlasted Nazi-era ones

Evidence

Genetical deficiency, manifested in crime and idiocy, became - following the scientists’ lobbying or advice - the legitimate reason for compulsory sterilization in the states of Indiana, New Jersey, and Iowa (where the state law covered “criminals, rapists, idiots, feeble-minded, imbeciles, lunatics, drunkards, drug fiends, epileptics, syphilitics, moral and sexual perverts, and diseased and degenerate persons”). Altogether 21 states of the USA enacted eugenic sterilization laws between 1907 and 1928 (Chorover 1979:42). Quite recently, after decades of silence and whitewashing, we have heard of the policy of compulsive sterilization conducted (by right-wing and left-wing governments alike) for many years (and well after the defeat of Nazi Germany) towards the “inferior,” “unreliable,” and otherwise undesirable categories of the population. This was revealed thanks to the curiosity and dedication of one investigative journalist. How many other dark secrets still wait for their discoverers? — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 419 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: American eugenics served as a model for Nazi Germany — Lawrence M. Friedman, A History of American Law, 4293; Indiana pioneered state sterilization in 1907 and many states followed — Lawrence M. Friedman, A History of American Law, 4288; Thirty-two states funded forced sterilization well into the twentieth century — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 161 (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Twenty-one US states enacted eugenic sterilization laws between 1907 and 1928 #corroborates (0.92) — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 419