The Long, Dark Shadow of Minnesota's Eugenic Sterilization Program

KFAI's MinneCulture

Between 1925 and 1945, 2,204 people — 77% of whom were women — were eugenically sterilized in Minnesota. Minnesota's sterilization program targeted "sexually promiscuous" women and impoverished people. The intended goal of the program was to lessen poverty and welfare costs by ending the family lines of people deemed "immoral" or "feebleminded."

A woman named Rose DeChaine was sterilized by this program. But her sterilization didn't end or fix any of her family's problems. Instead, Rose's time in the system set off a chain of hurt and dislocation that continues to echo throughout her family into the present day.

This story was written and produced by Matthew Schneeman. Special thanks to Molly Ladd-Taylor whose research inspired and shaped this piece. Ladd-Taylor also provided an introduction to John Erickson, whose family's story is featured prominently in this episode.

MinneCulture is hosted by John Gebretatose and edited by Julie Censullo. Support for MinneCulture is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.