STERILISATION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1928, Page 3

STERILISATION

STERILISATION OF HUMAN BEINGS. Australian Press Assn.—United Service SYDNEY, July 19. The “Guardian” newspaper lias gathered medical and other opinions concerning the propriety of the sterilising degenerates on the lines of the New Zealand legislation just published here.

Dr Watson Munro expresses the opinion that “Sterilisation is a leap into the mist.” What is wanted, he says, is pre-natal care so a-s to make sure of a healthy offspring, as injuries to the brain often occurred at birth. Mr Mclntosh, a solicitor, said lie approved of the New Zealand legislation for sterilisation. He, however, added that it should only be exercised under rigorous supervision. He said ivhat New Zealand proposes to do is scientific. j The Rev. Mr Doran, Cliairman of the Congregational Union, thinks that New Zealand is. acting upon sound lines. He said it would do for New South Wales to try it, adding facts must be faced.

Rev. Mr Grant, a Presbyterian, states: “I don’t shudder at what New Zealand is doing. We should take a leaf out of their book.” The Rev. Mr Connolly, Anglican Minister, said:- “The Church clearly stands for the full value of human life and personality. Sterilisation is pagan to practice, and it is dangerous to the social unit.”

Another opinion is that of an unnamed New South Wales Cabinet Minister, who declares that sterilisation has given no conclusive proof of success abroad, and that its inclusion in any new laws here in New South "Wales is extremely unlikely.