Sterilization Foundation Launches Hotline and Verification Process
Staff Reports
The N.C. Justice for Sterilization Victims Foundation has launched its toll-free hotline to provide information and initiate the identification process for individuals who believe they were sterilized under the authority of the N.C. Eugenics Board program between 1929 and 1974. Hotline numbers are 1-877-550-6013 (toll-free in North Carolina), and 919-807-4270. The hotline will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Eugenics was a program designed to “improve the human population” by
sterilizing or eliminating so-called undesirables, such as people with
low intellect, poor health, or, in many cases, ethnic and racial groups.
Popular in the early 20th century, the theory and practice were
discredited after World War II, when the extent of eugenics-based Nazi
atrocities was discovered. In North Carolina, populations of black
citizens were among those chosen for sterilization for nearly half a
century.
The foundation was established by Gov. Bev Perdue to provide justice and
compensate victims who were forcibly sterilized by the State of North
Carolina, and it will function as a clearinghouse to assist victims of
the N.C. Eugenics Board program.
“The foundation is here to help people who may have been sterilized
under this program,” said Charmaine Fuller Cooper, Executive Director.
“We understand that some people may not recall a lot of details, and
others may be reluctant to share their experiences, but we encourage
those with concerns to call us for more information.”
Callers to the foundation hotline will be provided a verification form,
which will be used to help determine whether an individual was among the
estimated 7,600 men and women who were sterilized under the state
eugenics program. Persons impacted by the N.C. Eugenics Board program
were born in or prior to 1961.
Verification forms also are available online at
www.sterilizationvictims.nc.gov. No compensation is guaranteed through
this verification process.
