The forced sterilisation of Indigenous and racialised Peoples: Origins, nature of abuses, impacts and responses

Purpose This paper aims to draw attention to the global infringement of reproductive rights of Indigenous and racialised Peoples. Design/methodology/approach Narrative literature review. Description and comparative analysis of examples of forced sterilisation. Findings Large-scale sterilisation campaigns were identified in three different regions of the world: North America, Latin America and Europe. Within these, hundreds of thousands of Indigenous and racialised Peoples have been forcibly sterilised as part of state-sponsored procedures, predominantly aimed at women and gestating people. These abuses are continuing in the 21st century and have origins in “racial science” theory. The exact nature of the abuses is identified alongside the long-term health and wellbeing implications. Professional attitudes and behaviours that condoned such practices within healthcare settings are identified. The psychological, social and cultural impact of such practices, including on Indigenous body sovereignty and self-determination, are demonstrated. Practical implications These are twofold: firstly to eradicate any future practice of forced sterilisation and secondly to provide reparations to those affected. Originality/value The analysis brings together scholarship from Indigenous studies alongside that of health and social sciences.