The forced sterilisation of Indigenous and racialised Peoples: origins, nature of abuses, impacts and responses

Heaslip, Vanessa

Abstract

Purpose. To draw attention to the global infringement of reproductive rights of Indigenous and racialised Peoples.
Approach. Narrative literature review. Description and comparative analysis of examples of forced sterilisation.
Findings. Large-scale sterilisation campaigns were identified in three different regions of the world: North America, Latin America and Europe. Within these, hundreds of thousands of Indigenous and racialised Peoples have been forcibly sterilised as part of state-sponsored procedures, predominantly aimed at women and gestating people. These abuses are continuing in the 21st century and have origins in ‘racial science’ theory. The exact nature of the abuses are identified alongside the long-term health and wellbeing implications. Professional attitudes and behaviours that condoned such practices within healthcare settings are identified. The psychological, social and cultural impact of such practices, including on Indigenous body sovereignty and self-determination, are demonstrated.
Originality. The analysis brings together scholarship from Indigenous studies alongside that of health and social sciences.
Practical implications. These are twofold: firstly, to eradicate any future practice of forced sterilisation and secondly to provide reparations to those affected.

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Oct 25, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 28, 2024
• Publication Date: Nov 28, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 28, 2024
• Journal: International Perspectives on Health Equity
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IPHEE-01-2024-0003
• Keywords: genocide; First nations/Indigenous peoples health; impacts; Romani Peoples; forced sterilisation; 'racial science' International Perspectives on Health Equity