Cermi Mujeres Seeks Law for Forced Sterilization Victims

Why this is here: Between 1989 and 2020, Spanish courts authorized sterilizations of people legally incapacitated, acting on the argument of a supposed “best interest” for the individual.

Cermi Mujeres asked Spain’s Congress of Deputies for a state law to recognize, repair, and compensate victims of forced or non-consensual sterilization of people with disabilities. The organization presented its proposal before the Commission for Comprehensive Disability Policies. Spain permitted judicial authorization of sterilizations for people deemed legally incapacitated between 1989 and 2020, citing a supposed “best interest” argument.

The foundation argues this practice violated the human rights of women and adolescent girls with intellectual disabilities. Their legislative proposal suggests declaring all judicial procedures authorizing these sterilizations null and void, officially recognizing victims, and providing comprehensive reparations. This includes a proposed one-time payment of 30,000 euros to each verified victim.

Data from Cermi Mujeres indicates over 1,000 people with disabilities underwent judicial sterilization from 2005 to 2016, though this likely represents an undercount. The organization continues to present its proposal to parliamentary groups, hoping to establish a state law.