California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced a program that will compensate survivors of state-sponsored sterilization as a part of the 2021-2022 state budget package.
Thousands of people were forcefully sterilized in state-run hospitals, homes, and institutions under the state’s eugenics law from 1909 through 1979. Applications opened to survivors of state-sponsored sterilization on Jan. 1 for compensation through California’s Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program, administered by the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB).
The eugenics law replicated as soon as it ended. The practices continued with people in custody at state prisons or other correctional facilities under the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The state estimates that at least 600 survivors of forced sterilization are still alive today and eligible for compensation.
“California is committed to confronting this dark chapter in the state’s past and addressing the impacts of this shameful history still being felt by Californians today,” said Governor Newsom. “While we can never fully make amends for what they’ve endured, the state will do all it can to ensure survivors of wrongful sterilization receive compensation.”
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) proposed the program.
The state will allocate $4.5 million to disperse among eligible applicants in addition to $2 million for administration outreach programs. An additional $1 million is designated to establish markers and plaques that acknowledge the wrongful sterilization of people.
The budget provided legislative language establishing the forced sterilization compensation program and appropriated $7.5 million to fund the program.
Victims of forced sterilizations by the state are encouraged to visit www.victims.ca.gov/fiscp or reach CalVCB at 800-777-9229 or fiscp@victims.ca.gov to obtain an application.
They can also send a letter to P.O. Box 591, Sacramento, CA 95812-0591. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023.
Further information may be found on www.victims.ca.gov/fiscp.


