Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz

Kirsten Johnson has a congnitive disability, and her aunt wants her to be sterilized. Kirsten does not want to be sterilized. Does she have any rights?

I cannot believe that this is even a question. Kirsten lives with her aunt who is her legal guardian. Kirsten does have some congnitive disabilities, but she can physically take care of herself. She can read, but cannot drive or handle money issues. She is sexually active, but she uses birth control. Her aunt still insists that she should be sterilized.

Kirsten does not want to be sterilized because she has hopes of being a mother with someone who can help her. Forced sterilizations are more common than what you might think. People are taking it upon themselves to determine who is or isn't capable of being a parent.

I'm amazed that not more feminist organizations are not outraged by this. They are supposedly all about woman's reproductive rights. What about Kirsten rights? They probably would be very vocal if she was denied to abort her baby. However, since she wants a baby, they are quiet.

People with disabilities should not be singled out because they are different.

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