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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 15, 2022 09:43 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Liz Hanbidge |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting Forced Sterilization |
| Our country has an appalling history of invading a person’s reproductive health. In the early 1900s, immigrants, Native Americans, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, and the poor were all forced to undergo procedures that eliminated their ability to have children. While some may think those horrific actions are of the past, a recent report by the National Women’s Law Center shows that 31 states have laws allowing forced sterilization. Those subjected to forced sterilization are more likely to be disabled and women. In Pennsylvania, a person under guardianship can be forcibly sterilized through a court order. These laws are part of a larger pattern that take away a person’s freedom over bodily decisions. With a Supreme Court posed to overturn Roe v. Wade, protections of privacy and freedom over one’s body have never been more in jeopardy. For these reasons, I will be introducing legislation to prohibit forced sterilization. By doing so, we would provide support and opportunities for individuals to understand the implications of these procedures and allow for informed consent, instead of making a life altering decision without agreement by the person. Please join me by cosponsoring this legislation to prohibit unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent. |