Eugenics laws permitting compulsory sterilization remained on California’s books until 1979, affecting an estimated 20,000 citizens. Alexandra Minna Stern, Sharon Kardia and colleagues examined state sterilization records from 1919 to 1952 for more than 19,000 Californians who were recommended for sterilization. They say that as many as 831 of these individuals are still alive and the state should undertake redress of this historical injustice. Specifically, they suggest that, as in North Carolina and Virginia, California should offer financial compensation to any survivors of forcible sterilization.

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