Forced sterilization in Peru

Forced sterilizations in Peru under Alberto Fujimori's government were systematic and aimed to control the population of impoverished and indigenous women, mainly in rural Andean communities. This practice was part of the state-led National Population Program, which emerged from the military's Plan Verde, initially aimed at economic recovery and combating the Shining Path insurgency. The program has been widely condemned as a form of ethnic cleansing or genocide due to its disproportionate impact on rural and indigenous peoples of Peru.

The roots of this program can be traced back to population control measures and eugenics theories that emerged in Peru during the early 20th century. These measures evolved significantly under Fujimori's administration, which justified the sterilizations as a means to alleviate poverty and improve resource distribution by reducing birth rates among the "culturally backward" and economically disadvantaged groups. Despite claims of voluntary participation, many women were often sterilized without informed consent, under threat, or in exchange for food and medical care.^[1]

This forced sterilization campaign had lasting socioeconomic and health consequences in the affected communities. The program decimated rural economies, exacerbated poverty, and led to widespread human rights abuses. Efforts to bring justice to the victims have faced numerous obstacles, including government resistance and legal challenges. Although international and national bodies have condemned the actions as crimes against humanity, accountability and reparations for the victims remain limited.