Human fertility and differential birth rates in American eugenics and genetics: a brief history

Abstract

Eugenics is a broad term used to describe a variety of social and state-sponsored reform movements. Although we usually think of Nazi atrocities when we hear the word "eugenics," in this article I discuss the manifestations of hereditary reform worldwide. In particular, I consider the history of eugenics in America, focusing on concerns about the differences in birth rates between various racial, ethnic, and educational groups. In the early twentieth century, the social and cultural expectations that surrounded the growing knowledge in genetics implied an ethical imperative for physicians. Physicians were expected to use their knowledge about genetics to help them decide what sort of advice and assistance should be given to those who wanted knowledge about birth control, or help in resolving problems concerning sterility and infertility. Today, with growing knowledge about human genetics, physicians are subject to increasing pressure to make similar judgments.

PIP: Eugenics is a broad term used to describe a range of social and state-sponsored reform movements. The manifestations of hereditary reform worldwide are discussed. In particular, the history of eugenics in the US is reviewed, with focus upon concerns about differences in birth rates between various racial, ethnic, and educational groups. In the early 20th century, the growing body of knowledge in genetics led to an expectation that physicians should use their knowledge about genetics to help them decide what sort of advice and assistance should be given to people who wanted knowledge about birth control or help in resolving problems related to sterility and infertility. As knowledge continues to expand in the field of genetics, physicians are under growing pressure to make similar genetics-based decisions.