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SIECUS demands immediate and thorough investigation into claims of forced sterilization at ICE facility

For Immediate Release
Sept 21, 2020

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 3330
zeisenstein@siecus.org

(Washington, DC) — The Department of Homeland Security, along with members of Congress, are investigating a whistleblower’s allegations of forced sterilization among immigrant detainees at an Immigration and Citizenship Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Ocilla, Georgia. Christine Soyong Harley, SIECUS’ President & CEO, released the following statement in response:

“These allegations of ICE performing forced hysterectomies on immigrant women are profoundly disturbing. But while shocking, allegations like these are hardly new. The United States has a well-documented history of forcibly sterilizing people–particularly women of color.

I am a descendent of native peoples who survived over 400 years of this country’s genocidal policies against indigenous communities, including the forced sterilization of thousands of native women. I am also a daughter of immigrants. These allegations that the Trump Administration is bringing back another episode of disregarding the sexual and reproductive rights of people within government care are downright disgusting. 

SIECUS joins the calls for Congress to conduct an immediate investigation into these allegations–and to hold all responsible ICE facility officials and medical personnel accountable for allowing these atrocities to happen under their watch. No one should be stripped of their right to make their own sexual and reproductive health care decisions. Not now, not ever.”

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SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change has served as the national voice for sex education for 55 years, asserting that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. Through policy, advocacy, education, and strategic communications efforts, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change—working toward a world where all people can access and enjoy sexual and reproductive freedom as they define it for themselves.