Eugenic

Medical Disclaimer: The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter this site.

Eugenics is a set of beliefs and practices aimed at improving the genetic quality of a human population, historically by excluding people and groups judged to be inferior and promoting those judged to be superior. The term was coined by Francis Galton in 1883, drawing on the recent work of his cousin, Charles Darwin, and the theory of natural selection.

History

The concept of eugenics has its roots in ancient history, but it gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Galton's work laid the foundation for the eugenics movement, which sought to apply scientific principles to human reproduction. The movement gained traction in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

Early 20th Century

In the early 20th century, eugenics became associated with a variety of social policies, including forced sterilization, marriage restrictions, and segregation. In the United States, the Eugenics Record Office was established in 1910 to promote eugenic research and policy. Laws were enacted in several states to prevent those deemed "unfit" from reproducing.

Nazi Germany

Eugenics reached its most extreme form in Nazi Germany, where it was used to justify the Holocaust and other atrocities. The Nazis implemented a program of "racial hygiene" that included the forced sterilization and euthanasia of those considered "racially inferior" or "genetically defective."

Post-World War II

After World War II, the eugenics movement lost much of its credibility due to its association with Nazi atrocities. However, the underlying ideas persisted in various forms, such as genetic counseling and prenatal screening, which aim to prevent genetic disorders.

Modern Perspectives

Today, the concept of eugenics is highly controversial. Advances in genetic engineering and genomics have raised ethical questions about the potential for "new eugenics," where genetic technologies could be used to enhance human traits. Critics argue that such practices could lead to new forms of inequality and discrimination.

Ethical Considerations

The ethical implications of eugenics are complex and multifaceted. Key issues include the potential for coercion, the definition of "desirable" traits, and the impact on diversity and human rights. The Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights by UNESCO emphasizes the need to respect human dignity and prevent discrimination based on genetic characteristics.

Also see

• Genetic engineering
• Human genome
• Bioethics
• Social Darwinism
• Genetic counseling

External links

• Eugenics Archive
• National Human Genome Research Institute: Eugenics and Scientific Racism