California Passes its First Sterilization Law

1909. The state of California passes and enacts the first of their sterilization laws while under the leadership of Governor James Gillett. This law remains in place, largely unchallenged, for the next 70 years. Between 1909 and 1964, 20 108 people are known to have been sterilized.

Update by Rob Wilson: 18 April, 2018: California is currently considering compensation legislation for sterilization survivors. The bill was introduced 15 February, 2018, by Senator Nancy Skinner; see the bill here.

-Amy Dyrbye