NPR

Emma, Carrie, Vivian: How A Family Became A Test Case For Forced Sterilizations

The eugenicists were utopians, convinced that they were doing hard but necessary things. And that included making decisions about who gets to have children.
Carrie and Emma Buck in 1924, right before the Buck v. Bell trial, which provided the first court approval of a law allowing forced sterilization in Virginia.

The day was June 4, 1924. A dark-haired girl, just 17 years old, was admitted to the Virginia State Colony for Epileptics and Feebleminded. She became colony inmate 1692. The superintendent of the colony examined her. He declared her healthy, free

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
The Original 'Harry Potter' Book Cover Art Is Expected To Break Records At Auction
Sotheby's June 26 auction of Thomas Taylor's watercolor illustration for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is estimated to sell for $400,000-$600,000.
NPR3 min read
Houston Area Braces For Flooding To Worsen Following Storms
A flood watch remained in effect through Sunday afternoon as forecasters predicted additional rainfall Saturday night, bringing another 1 to 3 inches of water to the soaked region.
NPR4 min read
'Hacks' Season 3 Is Proof That Compelling Storylines And Character Growth Take Time
Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah (Jean Smart) have both grown a lot since we first met them in Season 1. It's a reminder that shows need breathing room to achieve satisfying development.

Related Books & Audiobooks