Sterilization Hearing Transcript
Hearing Case
February 22, 1950
- [redacted] — (W) — Resident Forsyth County.
Proceedings instituted by A.W. Cline, SPW.
Medical history by Dr. C. Nash Herndon, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Sterilization recommended by Dr. Herndon.
Social history:
Single girl, 12 years to 15 years of age, who was born illegitimately. When 2 years of age, she was left in the home of Mrs. [redacted], who is not related to her. Nothing has been heard from the mother for the past 10 years. On a mental test given by Dr. T. Portante at the North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, on September 20, 1949, she was found to have a mental age of 5 years 7 months. She also was seen by Dr. Robert C. Fincher in the Pediatric Neurology Clinic. It was recommended that the girl be placed in the Caswell Training School and that sterilization be considered. The clinic was given a history of marked hyperactivity, two or three violent temper outbursts daily, emotional instability, and frequent somatic complaints, all of which could be associated with her mental deficiency. There is some question as to her exact age. If 15 years of age, she would be classified intellectually as an imbecile, and if 12 years of age, she would be classified as a moron. On November 10, 1949, Mrs. [redacted] filed a petition requesting the admittance of [redacted] to Caswell Training School. In that petition she states that she feels the girl will submit to sexual advances made to her, and that the girl has indicated interest in the opposite sex. She adds that the girl usually agrees to any suggestions made to her, and Mrs. [redacted] feels that she is in danger of becoming pregnant either by a white or black male in the community. The petitioner requests that sterilization be authorized in order to protect the girl during the period pending her admission to Caswell.
Diagnosis: Feeblemindedness
Operation will be performed by surgeon on staff of City Memorial Hospital, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Consents: On November 10, 1949, the Clerk of Superior Court of Forsyth County appointed [redacted], as guardian ad litem. He has filed an answer to the petition. He claims that [letter cuts off]
