U.S. States

Individual states have passed differing laws regarding human biotechnologies, creating an often inconsistent policy patchwork across the country. This is particularly the case with regard to human reproductive cloning, embryo cloning for stem cell research, and surrogacy. While more than a dozen states prohibit human reproductive cloning, the rest have not addressed it in law. Several states prohibit the creation of cloned human embryos for stem cell research, while others – notably California, which prohibits reproductive cloning – have invested billions of dollars in stem cell research programs that fund it. Laws and regulations pertaining to assisted reproduction, especially surrogacy, also vary significantly from state to state.

What Now? Grappling with Compensated Surrogacy Beyond the New York Bill

By Emily Galpern | 06.28.2019

Biopolitical Times

The Child-Parent Security Act, which would have legalized commercial surrogacy in New York, did not make it out of the State Assembly last week. The controversy that surrounded the bill reverberated well beyond the state, highlighting the complexities of crafting surrogacy policy grounded in social justice principles. Many of us who advocate for women’s health, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ rights will continue to grapple with how to develop equity-oriented recommendations for public policy, professional standards, and on-the-ground practices. We...

U.S. States

Forced sterilization policies in the US targeted minorities and those with disabilities – and lasted into the 21st century

By Alexandra Minna Stern | 09.09.2020

Biopolitical Times

In August 1964, the North Carolina Eugenics Board met to decide if a 20-year-old Black woman should be sterilized. Because her name was redacted from the records, we call her Bertha.

She was a single mother with one child who lived at the segregated O'Berry Center for African American adults with intellectual disabilities in Goldsboro. According to the North Carolina Eugenics Board, Bertha had an IQ of 62 and exhibited “aggressive behavior and sexual promiscuity.” She had been orphaned as...

Society