A judge in Tennessee, USA offers to reduce a prison sentence for any prisoner who voluntarily agree to the procedure of sterilization.
Judge Sam Benningfield signed the legislative decree in may. During this time, 32 women and 38 men volunteered for the procedure in exchange for a reduced sentence of 30 days.
Men are asked to undergo the procedure of vasectomy, and women to implant into the hand of a special hormonal implant.
«I hope I can encourage them to take personal responsibility — shared district judge in an interview with WTVF-TV, and give them a chance to obtain freedom not burdened with children. I understand that the project will not be fully successful. If at least two or three people agree, it will mean that two or three children will not be born under the influence of drugs. It will be a victory,» added the judge Benningfield, who was elected in 1998 as a judge in one of the rural districts in 160 km to the East of Nashville.
Officials say that the procedures — vasectomies for men and the implantation of the implant Nexplanon for women — will be provided by the Department of Health tn for free.
This proposal sparked a conflict between the local Prosecutor and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU criticized a judge:
«To offer so-called «choice» between imprisonment and forced sterilization absolutely unconstitutional»
«Judges play an important role in our community, but birth control should not be part of their duties,» said ACLU Director Hedy Weinberg in a statement.
Lawyer Brandon Griffin, two clients who volunteered to be part of this program, says that prisoners usually do anythingjust to get out of jail as soon as possible.
Public defender of Tennessee Craig Fickling said he understands the motives of judges, but believes that it is wrong.
«Prosecutors, lawyers, judges very hard to see the same people over and over again. And then the children and grandchildren of clients making the same mistakes, he said, adding: I think that based on this experience, the judge suggested a solution to the problem. But he went astray»
