Californians Who Endured Forced Sterilization Are Entitled to At Least $15,000

Part of California’s dark history is forced sterilizations of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Legislation in 2021 approved reparations for those individuals of at least $15,000; however, at this time only 51 people have been approved for the compensation.  If you know a survivor of forced sterilization then please share with the information on the Governor’s website here. 

Sterilizations of Californians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities began in the early 1900s with the peak in the 1930s, and the vast majority of the sterilizations occurred in institutions across the state.  This means that a survivor may be in their late 80s or older. 

Survivors are encouraged to visit www.victims.ca.gov/fiscp or reach out to CalVCB at 800-777-9229 or [email protected] to obtain an application. They can also send a letter to P.O. Box 591, Sacramento, CA 95812-0591. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2023. Applying is completely confidential.