Question

Eugenics is a movemnet in the early 1900's that was used in the justification of a range of unethical experiment studies and other atrocities. Define "Eugenics" and the terms- Positive Eugenics and Negative Eugenics. Why is the movement discredited today? Are certain types of genetic screening examples of the return to eugenic thinking? Give an example.

Answer 1

Eugenics is defined as a set of beliefs and practices that aims at improving the genetic quality of humans.

Eugenics movement began in the early 20the century. Many countries then, adopted eugenics policies to improve genetic quality of human population. Individuals were then labelled as 'fit' or 'unfit' for reproduction.

Programs including positive measures like encouraging individuals to reproduce as they were fit for reproduction is known as Positive Eugenics.

Negative Eugenics include prohibition of marriage, forced sterilization of individuals who were unfit for reproduction. People who were unfit for reproduction often included individuals with mental or physical disabilities, people who's I.Q was low, criminals and people from minority groups.

The movement is disregarded today as prohibition of marriage or forced sterilization is violation of human rights. Genetic screening do occur today which some people say as modern eugenics. Today, parents can be aware of any genetic disease before the child birth. Yes genetic screening maybe the example of eugenics, however more focus now is on genetic diseases and ways to prevent such diseases instead of that of whether or not a person should reproduce.