Psychopathology

[7] Summary of the Report of the American Neurological Association Committee for the investigation of sterilization.-ABRAHAM MYERSON. Amer. Jour. Psychiat., 1935, 92, 615. KNOWLEDGE of human genetics has not the precision or amplitude which would warrant the sterilization of people who themselves are normal in order to prevent the appearance, in their descendants, of manic-depressive psychosis, dementia precox, feeblemindedness, epilepsy, criminal conduct. An exception may exist in the case of normal parents of one or more children suffering from certain familial diseases, such as Tay-Sachs amaurotic idiocy. There is at present no sound scientific basis for sterilization on account of immorality or character defect. Until and unless heredity can be shown to have an overwhelming importance in the causation of dangerous antisocial behaviour, sterilization merely on the basis of conduct must continue to be regarded as a 'cruel and unusual punishment.' Nothing in the acceptance of heredity as a factor in the genesis of any condition considered by this Report excludes the environmental agencies of life as equally potent and, in many instances, as even more effective. Sterilization can only be recommended in selected cases of certain diseases and with the consent of the patient or those responsible for him. It may be considered in Huntington's chorea, feeblemindedness of familial type, schizophrenia, manic-depressive psychosis, and epilepsy. It is to be stressed that no great or radical change in the complexion of society can thus be expected. C. S. R.