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Publication Type honors thesis
School or College College of Humanities
Department Philosophy
Creator Elias, Susan
Title Statutory sterilization: A moral dilemma
Date 1975-05
Year graduated 1975
Description Sterilization of genetically defective inmates in Utah state institutions is one alternative for dealing with these individuals. However, the area of genetic improvement is very sensitive to the tension between social demands and individual freedom and ethical questions remain unanswered. If we admit that we do have the technical means of using sterilization for racial improvement, we must then ask if it is morally defensible. Two ethical viewpoints from which to analyze the question are basic rights and utilitarianism. These viewpoints present opposing argument that emphasize the problems to be found in the act. This is not to say that either viewpoint can effectively deal with the problems, but they help to clarify the act's purposes and justifications. Before getting into the area of ethical analysis, we need to examine the eugenics movement (especially that of the early 1900's) which was the primary impetus behind Utah's act. A basic understanding of its history and assumptions sheds light upon the ends sought by the Utah act.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Sterilization (Birth control)
Language eng
Rights Management (c) Susan Elias
Format Medium application/pdf
ARK ark:/87278/s63n63cf
Setname ir_htca
ID 1308427
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s63n63cf

Page Metadata

Title Page 46
Setname ir_htca
ID 1308473
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s63n63cf/1308473