Alberta Eugenics Board

Alberta Eugenics Board

In 1928, the Alberta government (Alberta, Canada) passed eugenics legislation that enabled the involuntary sterilization of individuals classified as mentally deficient (now known as persons with a developmental disability or mental disorder). To implement the Sexual Sterilization Act of Alberta, a four-member Alberta Eugenics Board was created to recommend individuals for sterilization. In 1972, the Act was repealed and the Board dismantled. During its 43 years in operation, the Board approved nearly 5,000 cases and 2,832 sterilizations were performed. The actions of the Board came under public scrutiny in 1995 with Leilani Muir's successful law suit against the Alberta government for wrongful sterilization.

Read more about Alberta Eugenics Board:  Eugenics: Like Begets Like, Historical Context, Board Structure, Board Meetings and Procedures, Amendments To The Sexual Sterilization Act, Board Actions, Board Controversy, End

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    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)