History of American Eugenics: Lessons for the Second Genetic Century, Oct. 2

Dr. Christopher Hook of the Mayo Clinic presents a lecture on “The History of American Eugenics: Lessons for the Second Genetic Century” on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m. in Baker University Center Ballroom A.

The end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries saw an explosion of interest in genetics, and a widespread belief that eugenics could improve humanity. This belief impacted all aspects of American society, including politics, science, education, medicine, media, immigration policy, law, and mainstream religion, and resulted in the forcible sterilization of thousands of Americans.

“Although the term ‘eugenics’ is no longer widely used, eugenic thinking is still very much alive today, and it is supported by a surprising number of prominent bioethicists. We must once again wrestle with the ethics of our medicine, science, and technology. This lecture will briefly review the history of American eugenics and raise questions we should be asking as we enter into the second genetic century,” Hook says.

Hook is a practicing medical doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and a researcher in the field of medical ethics. For more information on Dr. Hook, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/10315624.html. His lecture is being sponsored by SAC, the Colson Center, the Alliance Defending Freedom, and Ratio Christi.

For more information about the event, contact Sarah Welch at sw224511@ohio.edu.