sterilization

The conservancy “should be attempting every possible alternative before resorting to their eradication,” Hahn said, pointing to expanded hunting seasons, relocation and sterilization.

Three sterilization facilities in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties have been granted EPA exemptions to emit cancer-linked ethylene oxide.

California became one of the first states in the nation to enact a forced sterilization law, in 1909.

Robo said at least 10 more sterilization plants in California are governed by the ethylene oxide standards, and it’s likely that they have also applied for an exemption.

Eugenics movements in the U.S. often promoted the idea of “good genes” to encourage reproduction among white, able-bodied people while justifying the forced sterilization of others.