March 1, 1928. The title “Bill to Sterilize Unfit Debated in Legislature” heads a lengthy article published by The United Farmers of Alberta regarding not only the sterilization bill, but numerous other bills that were being considered in legislature during the previous Thursday sitting. The section “Bill Respecting Sexual Sterilization” discusses the moving of the second reading of the sterilization bill by George Hoadley, Alberta’s Minister of Health. It is noted that Hoadley raised the topic of sterilizations occurring in other countries in the world, as well as British Columbia’s recent commission of the topic. Hoadley also claimed that science and scientists were protecting the lives of the feebleminded (through advances which allowed them to live), and although he respected their work, they were interfering with nature, which could only be restored through processes such as sterilization. Figures from mental hospitals regarding the number of Canadian and foreign born residents were presented.

This article can be found online in the Peel Collection here.

-Laura Shaw

• Bill to Sterilize Unfit Debated in Legislature. (1928, March 1). The United Farmers of Alberta, 16-28.