Module 8: Eugenics Overview

Question 1

Eugenics

Answer 1

• The study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population
• Discouraged reproduction by people with “undesirable characteristics” (and encouragement of those w/out)

Question 2

What was the role of eugenics in early US social policy?

Answer 2

• Marriage laws
• Sterilization laws
• Immigration restrictions
• Research

Question 3

What impact has eugenics had on the field of genetic counseling?

Answer 3

Nondirective counseling approach in genetic counseling

Question 4

What was the basic scientific principle of eugenics in the early 1900’s in the U.S.?

Answer 4

Selective human breeding could decrease “bad” traits and increase “good” traits

Question 5

What is one population that was targeted for eugenic sterilization in the U.S.?

Answer 5

• Residents of mental health facilities
• Women that had children outside of marriage
• Prisoners as a term of their release