Concepcion Ruiz was a teenager when she was forcibly sterilized by the state of California in 1930. Her sterilization was impacted by the racist anti Latina views of that time. In California, Latinas were at a 59% greater risk of sterilization than non-Latinas. The average age of sterilization was 17 years old.
We know little about her life, but we do know she attempted to fight back. A newspaper article from the time tells of how she attempted to sue the state for their actions.
If you want to read about it
Latinos and the Consequences of Eugenics
If you want to listen:
The Forced Sterilization of Latina Women
If you want to watch:
The Dark History of Forced Sterilization
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If you’re looking for the sequel with John on the recent forced gynecological procedures done by ICE, you can read it here.