Compulsory sterilization in Canada

Compulsory sterilization in Canada of individuals deemed mentally unfit or "socially inadequate" was widespread in the early to mid-20th century. Laws based on the principles of eugenics led to the compulsory sterilization of thousands of individuals, many of whom were Indigenous women, persons with disabilities and intersex individuals.

The legal basis for compulsory sterilization in Canada can be traced back to the passage of the Sexual Sterilization Act in Alberta in 1928. This legislation allowed for the sterilization of mental hospital inmates to prevent the transmission of disability, resulting in 2,800 sterilizations prior to its repeal in 1972. Similar legislation existed in British Columbia from 1933–73, affecting an estimated 200-400 people.

Allegations of both physically forced sterilization and coerced sterilization, with procedures either not explained or presented as 'reversible', have been reported. In 2019, an investigation by the Standing Committee on Human Rights in Canada was opened into the compulsory sterilization of Canadians. The paired reports, released in 2021 and 2022, concluded that the compulsory sterilization was ongoing in Canada, highlighting a risk to indigenous, disabled and racialized women, in addition to institutionalized persons and intersex children.

In 2021, Bill S-250 was introduced to amend section 268 of the Canadian criminal code, including forced sterilization under the definition of aggravated assault. The bill was terminated when parliament was prorogued and dissolved in January 2025, and was later reintroduced as Bill S-228.