An Apology
Without a doubt the actions taken by the US medical facilities to lower population growth were horrendous and unethical. The procedures that took place were no correct solution to the ongoing population problems that the US welfare system was facing, and they were created based on racial prejudice. Out of the total 180 women who were listed in the files of these procedures about 3 ⁄ 4 were Latina women who were taken advantage of by being forced to believe false claims made by doctors. Some of these claims were as outrageous as if they didn't have the procedure after child birth they could risk losing the child! Every false statement made by obstetrics and gynecologists were made to either confuse patients or hide important details to get the patient to agree. From getting forms thrown at them during heavy anesthesia to being falsely informed on how the procedure is going. To not only have to suffer through the difficult surgery, but to also get dismissed by the appointed judge to the case solely due to racist and ideological views. No compensation nor reparations had been awarded from the trial to the victims of the violation of their reproductive rights, but what had been gained were the efforts to share the stories of those who were wronged. We hope that in the future this incident is not overlooked, but truly acknowledged and taught to generations to share the stories of those who were wronged.
Reparations
Through a variety of programs we, the National ES Reparations Committee, hope to make reparations for the victims of forced sterilization.
Counseling
Trained therapists who will meet with victims of forced sterilization will be provided. In this way, victims can receive support from a person who will listen without judgment or criticism. A clean and comfortable location will be provided so that people will have a safe space to talk about any sensitive issues or troubles in a private, one-on-one environment. The counseling would serve to heal some of the mental damages caused by forced sterilization.
Monetary Compensation
Although money is not enough, considering that the damage done is irreversible, we hope that by providing monetary assistance, victims may find an easier recovery. We will make sure that all of those eligible will receive their due compensation. Each person eligible for monetary compensation may receive up to $25,000. This money is proof that we are and will be held accountable, and helps serve as reparations for the past actions of the U.S.
School Curriculum
The teaching of Mexican and Mexican-American women’s forced sterilization will be required within LAUSD and CCUSD. Although the history may be difficult to hear, it is important to spread awareness and make sure future generations understand the issues involved. By creating a lesson that will be required to be taught, students will be able to learn more about the negative sides of our history and learn to identify the causes behind unfortunate incidents in history. Those responsible for such actions will be taught about, so that they may be held accountable for their past, and present, actions.
Support Group
A safe space will be created, filled with like-minded people who have experienced the same traumas and are facing similar issues. In this way, each person can find people like themselves, who will support them and remind them that they are not alone. Through these support groups, victims of wrongful sterilization will be able to work through the damages left by their experiences. To accomplish this, we will provide the space and organize meetings for people to sign up for whenever they need additional support. People will be able to easily find and participate in these groups, and find a place to support and be supported.
Long Term Goals
While our main goal is to provide reparations and compensation for the Mexican and Mexican-American victims of wrongful sterilization, we also hope that our actions will help to advertise the underlying causes of the forced sterilizations. Each victim was selected as a result of their race. This is a form of ideological oppression in which it was believed that these residents of the United States had less of a right to bear children than others because of their race. In addition, the forced sterilization is a form of institutional oppression, as it was enabled by hospitals, institutions with the power to coerce members of marginalized communities. By identifying and making clear the underlying discriminatory reasoning behind this event, and spreading the knowledge to future generations through schools, we hope that we can help to prevent any future harm.