Latinas and Sterilization

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Sterilization Project

At NLIRH we are leading a research project to investigate women of color's experiences with sterilization today. More information will be released about Sterilization and Latinas throughout 2008.

Interview with Author Dr. Elena Gutierrez

Dr. Elena Gutierrez, Assistant Professor of Gender and Women's Studies and Latin American and Latino Studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago and a new addition to NLIRH’s Board of Directors, will be releasing her upcoming book in January entitled Fertile Matters: The Politics of Mexican-Origin Women’s Reproduction.


Through an examination of the coercive sterilization practices on Mexican-origin women in Los Angeles in the 1970’s, Dr. Gutierrez explores the social, historical, racial and ideological politics of reproduction. She demonstrates the way in which stereotypes manifest into abusive practices, namely, how stereotypical beliefs about Mexican origin families and Mexican-origin women in particular fueled an anxiety about their reproduction and led to sterilization abuse. Her argument illustrates the ways in which racial domination and reproduction are intertwined.


Dr. Elena Gutierrez has agreed to speak with NLIRH about sterilization abuse and her upcoming book! Below is a brief interview with Dr. Gutierrez.


How do you think your book will change the conversation of sterilization abuse in the United States?

The case of Mexican Americans (which we’ve previously heard little about) is important because it shows how reproductive control is directly related to other social issues, such as immigration reform. Also, I emphasize the critical role Chicana activists played in organizing against sterilization abuse. This is important because the general public usually assumes Mexican origin women are disinterested in reproductive politics.


Many people may not understand why society wants to involuntary sterilize Mexican-origin women. What are the gains from controlling the reproduction of Mexican origin women?

It is often believed that Mexican Americans are taking away something from the U.S. public that is not rightfully theirs—i.e. welfare, educational benefits.  Although research shows that Mexican immigrants under-utilize these social services, individuals and organizations go to great lengths to stop this perceived threat of a Mexican immigrant "invasion."  And because there is a strong stereotype that Mexican origin women have a lot of children, their reproduction becomes identified as a major cause of this problem.


Do you think racist ideology still affects how we view reproduction today?

Yes, and it is important to remember that these attitudes have become part of our everyday assumptions. This widespread perception of Mexican women filters into public policies. Just as in the 1970s, current immigration reform efforts characterize Mexican women coming to the United States to have their children on United States soil to gain citizenship. Today's discourse on so-called "anchor-babies" demonstrates how the racist undercurrent of anti-immigrant efforts and reproductive control are intertwined.


Why do you think this book is necessary for people to read?

If there is one reason why everyone should read this book it is because we all come into contact with hospitals and health care systems. Fertile Matters shows how those we trust with our health concerns are often persuaded by their own individual beliefs and politics.  I hope Fertile Matters will encourage readers to be their own best advocates in receiving the best medical care.