Mass Sterilization in Puerto Rico

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the various aspects, circumstances, and effects of female sterilization in Puerto Rico, one of the most effectual and prevalent examples of a eugenics program throughout history whereby almost one-third of Puerto Rico's female population were sterilized under the banner of birth control.

From the Paper:

"The historic and social conditions--medical, political, legal, and religious that were conducive to the mass sterilization movement in Puerto Rico are significant. For decades, the United States blamed overpopulation for economic problems, unemployment, and poverty in Puerto Rico, while ignoring the fact that they (the U.S) have played an enormous role in generating and solidifying these conditions (Michaelson 1981). As a result, non-official programs with the intent of distributing birth control information and educating families about the need for practices were implemented in the 1920s (Presser 1973). With the population of Puerto Rico being over eighty percent Catholic, providing these services to prevent pregnancy was a felony until the 1930s. This strong opposition from the Catholic Church, unfavorable legal status of birth control, a disinterested public, and insufficient federal funding from the United States, prevented these early programs from becoming triumphant."

More papers on Mass Sterilization in Puerto Rico:

• Analytical Essay # 144351 : "Eugenics in Puerto Rico: Choice Or Coercion?"
• Term Paper # 121923 : "Puerto Rico Culture"
• Essay # 71902 : "Banco Popular De Puerto Rico"

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