so far is so large that these additions might well be left to the indefinite future.
The actual adoption of measures for the elimination of the obviously unfit from participation in reproduction, offers at the present time difficulties which seem insuperable. Sterilization is the abstractly logical course to pursue, since it interferes with no function of the individual except the creation of children. But in addition to the psychological difficulties involved in social prejudices against this operation, there is a very real danger to be foreseen which can not be lightly set aside. If we could assume that the requisite machinery for the selection of those who should be sterilized would operate with perfect intelligence and without ethical lapses, we might view its introduction with equanimity. But such large chances are offered for ignorance and cupidity to work injustice that the scheme cannot possibly be accepted at the present time, whatever may be the conditions in some distant future.[1]
If sterilization were legally instituted at the present time, its practical administration would in all probability be placed in the hands of the medical profession as such (and the “as such” is here a very important consideration). The medical profession, in the United States at least, is a
- ↑ Legal provision for sterilization has been made in several states in the Union. Apparently, the provision has not been followed in practice to any considerable extent.
