1929 In 1929, a new more, comprehensive sterilization law was passed in North Carolina. This law specifically targeted mentally disabled individuals living in state institutions. However, this legislation was deemed unconstitutional because it lacked provisions for individuals to appeal sterilization orders (Kaelber, 2011). But another law in 1933 included such provisions, thereby remaining active until 1973 (Kaelber, 2011).

In terms of impact, sterilization laws in North Carolina resulted in an estimated 7,600 victims. This made North Carolina third in the United States for total number of sterilizations (Kaelber, 2011).

-Luke Kersten

• Kaelber, L. (2011). Eugenics: Compulsory Sterilization in 50 American States. Retrieved from http://www.uvm.edu/~lkaelber/eugenics/NC/NC.html.