Sterilisation for girls and women with mental handicaps: SOME ETHICAL AND MORAL CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

The issues that come into play when young women and girls with mental handicaps are referred for sterilisation are discussed in the light of ethical arguments. The story of sterilisation is traced over the century. An attempt is made to understand the evolution of the legal aspects of sterilisation, from a rather paternalistic/eugenic standpoint in the early 1900's to a more humanistic one in the present day, as evidenced in contemporary court decisions. A comprehensive system of analysing the various components of sterilisation referral is suggested.