Deaf Finns Forcibly Sterilized in 1920's
Image: YLE
The Finnish government tried to eradicate its deaf population through human rights abuses nearly century ago. This is according to new doctoral research published on Friday.
The data shows that Finland tried to weed out what it considered unfavourable genetic traits. In the 1920's, the government forcibly sterilized deaf women and forbade deaf people to marry. They also banned the use of sign language in schools.
The deaf population's status improved little by little after World War II. These laws weren't overturned until 1969. The constitution was reformed to guarantee their rights in 1995.
Finnish News Agency