Light Work by Dear Patriarchy
Welcome to Light Work, a space where two sisters on the path of healing explore powerful and transformative healing modalities.
Through sharing our personal experiences and insights from spiritual practice, we dive into the many ways people can reconnect with their true essence, release what no longer serves them, and step into a greater wholeness that allows them to be of service to themselves and their communities.
From shamanic journeying, reiki, and plant medicine to the sacred art of presence and self-healing, we'll share authentic stories and practical wisdom to support your own healing journey.
Light Work by Dear Patriarchy
Mini-breakdown: Eugenics & Forced Sterilization
If this episode is resonating with you, send us a message - we’d love to hear from you 🤍
Welcome to episode 19(ish) of series 3 where Lisa does a mini-breakdown on eugenics and how it relates to reproductive healthcare, specifically forced sterilization. She starts by explaining what eugenics, and scientific racism, is at a high level, touching briefly on Margaret Sanger & Planned Parenthood as well as the inherent ableism of eugenics. She goes on to talk about how, in the wake of SCOTUS overturning Roe vs. Wade, many people are suggesting that boys & men (presumably cis-het) should be given vasectomies until they are “fit” to be a father and how this idea is on the slippery slope to eugenicist beliefs. She runs through the recent history of forced sterilization in the USA & Puerto Rico (including that it is still legal to forcibly sterilize disabled people in 34 states) and how allowing systemically racist, ableist government systems to determine who is “fit” to be a parent is taking a massive step backward. She closes with a reminder that being branded with the title of “wokeness” should not deter us from actively working to be on the right side of history. We need to continue to educate ourselves, try to always use inclusive language (because words & language matter), and put in the work every day to protect the civil rights of all those around us, not just the people who look like or identify the same way as we do. We hope you’ll continue on in this fight.
These articles were used to inform this discussion:
- Eugenics & Scientific Racism
- Margaret Sanger's Connection to Eugenics
- America's "Forgotten" History of Forced Sterilization
- Please check out our "Feminism 101" suggested reading list here if you're at a loose end for a great read from a Feminist author.
- Find out more about the amazing artists, Nubefy, behind the graphics we use here.