Eugenics, Abortion, and Genetics - Part 1

Overview

A tragic chapter in American history began in the early 1900s with the rise of the eugenics movement. Many prominent philanthropists, scientists, and politicians believed the human race was degrading because the poor, sick, and deformed were medically cared for and therefore survived to reproduce. Because of their acceptance of molecules-to-man evolution, these cultural leaders pushed for laws to enforce sterilization and isolation of the “undesirables.” Margaret Sanger embraced these ideas, which were foundational in her establishment of Planned Parenthood.