This week’s focus is on a topic that is slowly gaining focus in the media.  Forced sterilization has occurred throughout history, and it is especially important to discuss since it is a stark contrast from the right to bear children awarded by the Constitution.  In short, forced sterilization occurs when a woman is given a hysterectomy without her consent, therefore permanently taking away her ability to have children without her consent.  This is usually done when she is having surgery for another unrelated health issue or is not told the consequences of the hysterectomy.  If you are interested, an episode of Law and Order addresses this issue in Season 16, Episode 6, titled Birthright.  It is not a requirement you watch this.  I wanted to offer an example if you were unfamiliar with the topic or just wanted more understanding or discussion on forced sterilization.  For your discussion board post for this week, answer the following questions in a minimum of 275 words.

(1) Based on what you have read this week on the topic, how can family policy address the issue of forced sterilization?  For example, how can we educate potential victims of forced sterilization, and how can we help the survivors?

(2) One of the most important factors of forced sterilization is that this disproportionately affects women of color and incarcerated women.  This is a prime example of intersectionality, which refers to discrimination as a result of two or more demographic factors.  How can we ensure our family policy in the United States can benefit individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc?