On this latest episode, Ginger tells a tale of a sh*tty law and a sh*ttier court case that would eventually become inspiration for the Nazis.
Buck v. Bell all started with this little idea called eugenics and ended up with the decision that anyone considered lesser doesn’t get to keep their reproductive organs. Add a little misogyny, mix it up with ableism, never stop shaking it, and presto, you have a truly terrible cocktail. Featuring New Year’s Eve parties, a McElroy reference, and much, much screaming.
Self Care Plan
Let’s talk about sexual and reproductive healthcare, baby!
- Make sure you’re taking care of your sexual and reproductive health. Things like pelvic exams and STI testing are still available, even in the middle of a pandemic. Make sure you’re communicating with your doctor about your needs and scheduling wellness appointments if it’s safe for you to do so.
- Consider your birth control options. It’s your choice whether you have kids and when. There are lots of products on the market to help you with that. Talk to your partner and healthcare provider about what works best for your health and your plans.
- Make sure you have good and open communication with any and all of your sexual partners. Communicating not only protects you, but helps you make sure you’re getting what you want. It can be awkward to bring up the sexy stuff, but it’s worth it in the end. So to speak.
Citations
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_v._Bell
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Galton
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenics
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Buck
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Sterilization_Act_of_1924
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poe_v._Lynchburg_Training_School_%26_Hospital
- http://eugenicsarchive.org/html/eugenics/static/themes/39.html
- https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Chapter_46B_of_the_Code_of_Virginia_
- https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Buck_v_Bell_1927#start_entry
- https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Buck_Carrie_Elizabeth_1906-1983#start_entry
- https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/274us200
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Wendell_Holmes_Jr.#Buck_v._Bell
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_H._Laughlin
- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/03/07/469478098/the-supreme-court-ruling-that-led-to-70-000-forced-sterilizations
- https://disabilityjustice.org/right-to-self-determination-freedom-from-involuntary-sterilization/
- https://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/publications/se/6505/650507.html
The Void Will See You Now 