ID# 1387:
"A Quarter of a Century's Experience in Sterilization of Mental Defectives in California," by F.O. Butler, Amer. Journ. Mental Deficiency (vol 49:4)
Date:
1945
Pages: (1|2|3|4|5|6)
Source:
University of Albany, SUNY, Estabrook, SPE,XMS 80.9 Bx 3 C88

&quote;A Quarter of a Century's Experience in Sterilization of Mental Defectives in California,&quote; by F.O. Butler, Amer. Journ. Mental Deficiency (vol 49:4)

The reason for this number of sterilized cases being in the institution is due to so many going for home visits, but whom we feel need the protection of sterilization. Also we sterilize for protection within the institution because of the freedom allowed our patients. There are many cases that develop physical or behavior disabilities and, therefore, cannot be released. This, however, is not due to sterilization. There is likewise quite a group that is in and out of the institution throughout the year who we feel need the protection of such an operation. This group is unable to stay out of the institution because of their inability to adjust over any great period of time. The cases listed under transfer include those sent to mental hospitals, or correctional schools, or other institutions for mental defectives. Marriages of sterilized cases: For a ten-year period, 1934 to 1943, inclusive, there was a total of 249 marriages of both sexes. A recent survey of the last three years of this period showed that there were 98 marriages, or 39 per cent of the total. Of these 98 marriages 11 males, or 52 per cent, were satisfactory. Females 58, or 75.3 per cent, were satisfactory, the average for both sexes was 63 per cent, which is a better average than among normal marriages. Pregnancies previous to sterilization: There were 1,730 pregnancies in 600 women prior to admission and sterilization, or almost an average of 3 each. Of this number 1,143 children were legitimate while 587 were illegitimate, or approximately one-half. Males having reproduced before admission and sterilization 31 legitimate children, illegitimate 4, or a total of 35 from 14 fathers, or an average of 2.5 each. Discharged and sterilized patients: During the twenty-five year period 4,135 patients have been regularly discharged from our records. Of this number 2,169 were sterilized, or 52.4 per cent of the discharges. The remaining were allowed to go out without sterilization for various reasons, such being past childbearing age, religious objections, mentally too low, and early escape from the institution. Relative in Sonoma State Home: A recent study of our records reveals 1,100 related individuals committed to the institution. One hundred thirty-four mothers have been admitted with a total of 224 children. The number of children per mother varied from one to six as follows: [indented/extract style material] 82 mothers with 1 child each 30 " " 2 children each 12 " " 3 " " 5 " " 4 " " 4 " " 5 " " 1 mother " 6 " [end indented/extract material] The I.Q. range of the mothers is from 24 to 104 with 55.2 per cent in the moron and imbecile levels (39.5 moron, 15.7 imbecile). One family of three generations was in the institution at the same time. We have had 650 siblings, ranging from one to five members in a family. These siblings have also had a total of 18 other relatives committed. A group of 78 first cousins were found. No [end]

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