Va lawmaker proposes payments for eugenics victims

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Exactly 85 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state governments could force involuntary surgical sterilizations of people society deemed genetically inferior or deficient under laws based on a discredited pseudoscience called eugenics.

Delegate Patrick A. Hope, D-Arlington, plans to mark Monday’s anniversary by calling for “a symbolic payment” from the General Assembly and Gov. Bob McDonnell for victims of eugenics who are still alive.