Introduction
During the 20th century, women’s health was objectivized to an extreme extent, which led to the programs of compulsory sterilization. The reasons for doing it were formulated in different ways, but their main idea was rooted in the theory of Social Darwinism (Fordham University 1997). Two of the most influential approaches are eugenics and Spencer’s theory of sterilization. These ways of treating women are nefarious because they are based on an immoral perception of women’s inability to have independent control over their bodies.
Main body
Eugenics principles are the most damaging pseudo-scientific theories in the whole history of mankind. Although their influence was dominant in the European continent, some unsavory practices reached the US (Anomaly, 2021). In theoretical terms, eugenics “was a movement committed to using the principles of heredity and statistics to encourage healthy and discourage unhealthy reproduction” (Levine, 2017, p. 1). In the US, compulsory sterilization laws were adopted in 30 states and led to the sterilization of 60,000 individuals (Kaelber, 2012). The main target group of these laws was unprotected women whose health was destroyed under these policies. However, such flagrant crimes were not properly addressed and acknowledged by the US after these laws were abolished (Kaelber, 2012). A more thorough analysis of past events will guide future generations about crimes on women’s health that should not be repeated again.
In response to the male-dominated groups of eugenics proponents, women organized networks of medical help. Firstly, it was extremely hard for women in the second half of the 19th century to become doctors or nurses (Brosnan, 2017). These brave women created the National Health Society in 1871 to fight the social Darwinist ideas of Herbert Spencer (Brosnan, 2017). They educated women from lower classes about the illegal encroachment on their bodies from pseudo-scientists who believed in the evolutionary progress through the sterilization of inferior people.
Summary
To sum up, eugenics and Herbert Spencer’s theories were the great barriers for women to preserve and maintain their health. From 1857 to 1945, these social Darwinist policies in some states were integral factors of women’s bodies’ control. Nevertheless, women have found ways to organize the movement against these rules and practices. The stories about the brevity and heroism of women can be a lesson for oppressed groups in their search for justice.
References
Anomaly, Jonathan. 2022. “Race, Eugenics, and the Holocaust.” In Bioethics and the Holocaust, edited by Ira Bedzow and Stacy Gallin, 1-19. Springer.
Brosnan, Jennie. 2017. “Chapter 14 – Doing History: Networks and Women Doctors.” In History of Applied Science & Technology, edited by Danielle Skjelver, David Arnold, Hans Peter Broedel, Sharon Bailey Glasco, Bonnie Kim, Sheryl Dahm Broedel, 315-319. North Dakota: The Digital Press.
Fordham University. 1997. “Modern History Sourcebook: Herbert Spencer: Social Darwinism, 1857.” Web.
Kaelber, Lutz. 2012. “Eugenics: Compulsory Sterilization in 50 American States.” The University of Vermont. Web.
Levine, Philippa. 2017. Eugenics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.