Debate and Diplomacy in History: Can Eugenics be Ethical?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i4.3643Keywords:
Eugenics, Implicit Bias, Holocaust, Madrigal v. Quilligan, Gene TherapyAbstract
We must look upon significant instances in the history of Eugenics, such as the California sterilization legislation, as an example of what can happen if regulatory policies are not enacted. The stories of the primarily Latina women who were involuntary sterilized serves as a warning, and reminder of what can happen when vague language in laws allows for the manifestation of personal bias in the reproduction rights of others. A variety of personal and societal factors influence our individual opinions on Eugenics, however, regardless of our opinion we must acknowledge the negative consequences for many disadvantaged groups when Eugenics goes unregulated. When examining eugenics in a modern context (Gene therapy,) there must be legislation that regulates what genes can, and cannot be altered, to prevent personal prejudices from eradicating entire groups of people with a certain disability or disease.
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