Reflection Post #3: "Sterilized in the Name of Public Health"

I found the article, "Sterilized in the Name of Public Health: Race, Immigration, and Reproductive Control in Modern California," to be one of the most interesting articles of the semester. I liked the history of sterilization and all of the controversy that has erupted throughout the United States. I was personally in shock after learning about how doctors would deceive Hispanic women just because they needed to meet quotas. All of the plaintiffs in the Madrigal vs. Quilligan case were asked for consent during unreasonable times when the women were in severe pain. Sometimes they did not even have the women sign consent forms. The doctors automatically assumed that these women could not make decisions for themselves. They completely disregarded how their patient's feelings, which is, morally, supposed to be their largest concern. I cannot believe that the plaintiffs actually lost this trial. The doctors' actions were completely immoral and discriminatory. These actions show how racism is still very much present. People may hide it more, but it is still active. Actions such as these are unwelcoming and make the United States an unattractive place to live. Immigrants cannot even catch a break in healthcare. 

Another aspect of this article that was interesting was how states tried to justify the practice of sterilization. They claimed that they were trying to help out humanity by not allowing those with a mental disease to reproduce. It is shocking to think that states thought they were going to make a positive difference in society. They are making the decision as to whether or not an individual would be allowed to reproduce. The individual's opinion did not make any difference, and the state would decide whether or not they could have a family. I cannot believe that it took so long for people to speak out against these procedures. They were implemented during the 1900s, and the trials did not take place until the 1970s. This shows that state officials were able to easily manipulate the public through their justifications. People only began noticing that these procedures are actually a punishment when a trend among Hispanic patients became apparent. 

Overall, I think the outcome to the Madrigal vs. Quilligan trial was very significant as measures were made to make sure that Spanish-speaking patients will know exactly what they are agreeing to. In addition, I think that a three-day period between signing the consent form and the actual procedure is very smart. Patients will be able to thoroughly think through their decision, rather than jumping right into the surgery.