Psalm 139:13-14
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
I came across this book on Libby. Although I have never heard about this book, sadly, I have heard about the eugenics movement that was prevalent in our nation at one time.
In 2014, I came across an article that explained the history of the phrase “white trash.” I can’t even remember how I came across this article but do remember being fascinated at the history of this derogatory term. Shockingly, though, I realized this term was later connected to the eugenics movement in the United States, “founded” by Charles Darwin’s cousin (who first coined the term). We all have heard about Hitler’s desire to create a “pure, Aryan” race through the annihilation of those he considered “unfit.” However, I had no clue this happened in the United States. Through research, I then came across a Supreme Court case called Buck v Bell, where the Court gave states the right to force sterilize people they saw as “unfit” (hence, where “white trash” comes into the story). As Oliver Wendel Holmes stated, “Three generations of imbeciles are enough.” Since I was teaching AP Gov this particular year, I created a lesson that had the students analyze this SCOTUS case. I no longer teach this court case (due to time); however, I can’t help but think of this case every time we discuss Holmes in other cases. I do, though, tell my students this ruling goes down as one of the worse in history (along with Plessy and Korematsu, in my opinion). Even though this decision will later be overturned (Skinner v Oklahoma), the damage was already done.
If you did not know the history of forced sterilization laws in our nation, click HERE to see the timeline of events. If you want to read an incredibly written historical fiction novel that coincides the eugenics movement in our nation with that of Hitler, read this book!!!! Although the story is fictional, the events are true. Susan Meissner does a fabulous job hitting the points that should be conveyed without weighing down the reader in minute details. There were times I feared she was going to “get stuck” in a particular event thus boring me; however, she smoothly transitioned the story without creating gaps in the storyline.
I am glad someone is giving attention to a sad moment in U.S. history (which, by the way, was happening in Europe as well…which took hold in Germany…which paved the way for Hitler). Don’t read this book, though, and think we are far from this movement. In 2022, a report came out that stated that 60 to 90% of all Down Syndrome babies (in U.S.) are aborted. I came across a 2003 British article that stated 75% of people polled agreed that abortion should be allowed for disabilities. In 2007, the British Parliament stated they saw no need to clarify what is considered an “abnormality” under the Ground E abortion law (allows for abortion for abnormalities). In this statement, it was stated one abortion was for cleft lip and 20 abortions were for clubbed feet. I have only mentioned two nations out of 195 nations. If a person chooses to abort a baby due to an abnormality (abort for any reason but just arguing this point right now), this person’s mindset is no different than Hitler’s desire for a perfect race. Sterilizing people against their will and aborting a child due to a disability are one in the same.
In 2019, there was a SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) case – Box v. Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky. In the concurring opinion, Justice Thomas writes, ” Many eugenicists therefore supported legalizing abortion, and abortion advocates—including future Planned Parenthood President Alan Guttmacher—
endorsed the use of abortion for eugenic reasons. Technological advances have only heightened the eugenic potential for abortion, as abortion can now be used to eliminate children with unwanted characteristics, such as a particular sex or disability…” I challenge you to read his entire concurring opinion!
I know this topic seems heavy; however, Meissner does an great job bringing attention to a dark period in history. The book kept me engaged and ends with a happy ending (one that was well, well done). Do yourself a favor and pick up this book! Happy Reading!
Additional Resources:
