society
May 6, 2024

Women complain: doctors are said to have forced them under labor pains for sterilization

Doctors urge native Americans to sterilize? partly due to labor pains or with the threat of handing over their baby only after they have given their consent. These allegations are brought forward by a lawyer representing at least 60 women in a class action lawsuit.

"While they were in labor, they were approached, harassed, compelled to sign this approval form," quotes Canadian portal "CBC" Alisa Lombard, who represents the women. Her clients were therefore told that they should leave the clinic only after a sterilization, or "that they see their babies only after they agree".

Especially frightening: Many women have been told that the procedure is reversible. Apparently this was often not the case.

Consequences of sterilization: convulsions and anxiety

According to the report, the class action lawsuit has included "at least 60 women" reporting on incidents in the province of Saskatchewan. For each of them, the lawyer demands a compensation of about $ 7 million. The lawsuit is directed against the Canadian province, health authorities, physicians involved and the country.

According to the indictment, forced sterilization of aboriginal people has been common practice since the 1930s. However, not all of the cruel accusations come from decades long past: some of the involuntary interventions are said to have taken place in 2017. The victims were still suffering from the consequences, says lawyer Lombard. "Many had seizures and persistent depression, anxiety." The law firm representing women's interests is the first national indigenous law firm, according to "CBC."

"If it happened in Saskatoon, it happened in Winnipeg, too"

Native Americans have been suppressed for decades in their cultural identity. For example, children were put into boarding schools or released for compulsory adoption.

Last year, Saskatoon Saskatchewan City health authorities had already apologized for past forced sterilization. However, a Canadian senator, Yvonne Boyer, now hinted that the allegations are hardly a local issue: "If it happened in Saskatoon, it happened in Regina too, it happened in Winnipeg, it happened where there are many indigenous women. "