Near the mid-19th century, the doctrine of eugenics began a mass movement that swept the United States into adopting sterilization laws. States advocated the selective breeding and sterilization of citizens, specifically the mentally disabled, criminals, prostitutes, alcoholics, the homeless, and other minorities through educating the public on the dangers of their reproduction, eventually influencing more inhumane acts around the world. This dark chapter in American history brought about the major question of the right of state governments to forcibly sterilize its citizens believed to be genetic threats to American society. This sparked efforts to restore equal protection and the right to procreate. However, eugenics is an issue still being felt today through living victims' testimonies and attempts at reconciliation from state governments.
CNN - "Eugenics in America With Forced Sterilization" clip.
"[We should] apply a stern and rigid policy of sterilization and segregation to that grade of population whose progeny is tainted, or whose inheritance is such that objectionable traits may be transmitted to offspring."
- Margaret Sanger, Women and the New Race