Were you sterilized in a state hospital, mental institution, or prison?
If so, you may be eligible for compensation under a new California program.
BACKGROUND
Between 1909 and 1979, California sterilized over 20,000 people in state-run hospitals, homes, or mental institutions under its eugenics laws. After 1979, people continued to be sterilized without consent in state prisons and correctional facilities. People with disabilities, women, Latino/as, Black people, and LGBTQI+ people were disproportionately targeted for sterilization.
This Program provides monetary compensation (approximately $25,000) to surviving individuals who were sterilized in a state-run facility, or referred for sterilization by a state-run facility, during these two time periods. The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) will administer the program and accept applications until December 31, 2023.
ELIGIBILITY
Two groups of people are eligible for compensation under this Program:
1. Surviving individuals who were sterilized in a California state hospital, home, or mental institution between 1909 and 1979, and
2. Surviving individuals who were sterilized without proper consent by the California Department of Corrections after 1979.
Unsure if you are eligible? Still apply. If you suspect that you may have been sterilized, such as during labor/delivery or other abdominal surgeries in prison or a mental institution, you can submit an application to have your records reviewed.
HOW TO APPLY
Call CalVCB toll-free at 1-800-777-9229 or visit victims.ca.gov/fiscp to download an application form. Complete the form electronically or by hand. Then, submit the completed form by email, fax, or mail:
Applying for compensation is completely confidential. Compensation will not affect your Medicaid, Social Security, Food Assistance, or other federal or state benefits. Compensation will not be considered income for state tax purposes or for community property, child support, restitution, or a money judgment.