The Dark Legacy of Eugenics in America

This chapter explores the history of the eugenics movement in the United States, focusing on the establishment of the Eugenics Record Office and the Virginia Sterilization Act of 1924. It critiques the pseudoscientific basis for forced sterilization laws and delves into the case of Carrie Buck, revealing the legal and societal implications of these oppressive policies. The discussion underscores the chilling intersections of law, healthcare, and societal attitudes towards individuals deemed 'unfit' during this era.