Jailing Doctors Won’t Stop Forced Sterilization
The law meant to protect patients could have a chilling effect on doctors.
TL;DR
- Canada has a history of using sterilization to control births in marginalized groups, including First Nations.
- Bill S-228, passed in June, criminalizes sterilization procedures performed without patient consent.
- Physicians performing non-consensual sterilizations can face charges of aggravated assault and up to 14 years in prison.
- The effectiveness of this law is questioned, with concerns that it places a contentious legal layer over medical interactions.