VOLUNTARY STERILIZATION AS IT RELATES TO MENTAL HEALTH
ROBERT W. LAIDLAW M.D.1, and
MEDORA S. BASS M.A.2
1 President, Human Betterment Ass. for Voluntary Sterilization, New York, N. Y.
2 Vice-President, Human Betterment Ass. for Voluntary Sterilization, New York, N. Y.
Voluntary sterilization can and does contribute to mental health; by helping to keep the population increase in line with developing resources; by reducing the anxiety caused by fear of unwanted pregnancies; by preventing children from being born to irresponsible parents with resultant neglect and social ills; by allowing the retarded to marry and lead more normal lives; by preventing some hereditary abnormalities. All this can be accomplished without unfavorable psychological effects and with a high ratio of satisfaction.
