Just last week, in the Miyagi prefecture of Japan, the local governor met victims of an official eugenics policy to apologise for the suffering they underwent.
“On behalf of the prefecture, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies for the immense suffering caused to the 900 (victims),” said Murai Yoshihiro while lowering his head.
For many, the words “forced sterilisation” bring to mind Nazi Germany and the devastating eugenic policies pursued by fascist regimes in the 1930s and 1940s. But the non-consensual sterilisation of those considered genetically inferior continued through the 20th century and persists in some parts of the world today.
In January, victims of Japan’s forced sterilisation programme were finally able to apply for compensation for the first time. Between 1948 and 1996, at least 16,500 people were forcibly sterilised in Japan under the country’s Eugenic Protection Law. Nearly 60,000 more underwent abortions without, or with only dubious consent. Most were mentally handicapped people or those with hereditary diseases.
As Japan finally addresses this legacy, victims of forced sterilisation in Peru are still fighting for compensation after...