Honey's mother, Cussy Mary Lovett, is subjected to forced sterilization. Did this surprise you? Are you aware of others who were subjected to such treatment?

Honey's mother, Cussy Mary Lovett, is subjected to forced sterilization while imprisoned for violating Kentucky's anti-miscegenation laws. Did this surprise you? The American eugenics movement led to this and other atrocities against individuals who were seen as different, including minorities and people with disabilities. Are you aware of others who were subjected to such treatment? Do you think it's important to remind ourselves of the role eugenics played in America's not-so-distant past?

I was aware of that occurring during the time period, so I wasn't a surprised that it happened. Having said that, it is still was awful to read. One can only hope that a form of eugenics will not be used in the future pertaining to selected implanted embryos

I too wasn’t surprised but very saddened by the prejudices then and those we still see. Such practices have been done on the Downs’ syndrome population and other people not felt to be worthy and placed in institutions

It didn’t surprise me because 70,000 American people were forcibly sterilized during the 20th century.

Science mixed with politics can result in horrible consequences. Eugenics played a huge role in Hitler’s genocide and also other countries genocides.

What exactly constitutes “negative traits” is open to interpretation…and this can be scary. Politics, powerful people and money are very influential.

I knew of the existence of enforced sterilization in the U.S. in the 20th century, but occurences most familiar to me have been in the deep south, especially in my home state of Alabama, and in association with what were called “welfare mothers,” single mothers, usually African American who were dependent on state support for caring for their children. I had not thought of it in the context of the Appalachian region or for the purpose of eliminating the blue people, so I didn’t see Cussy’s sterilization coming. So yes, I was surprised, and horrified once more at people’s racism and inhumanity.

I was not surprised, but it still saddened me. Unfortunately, there is history within our country and the world of this action.

Unfortunately it did not surprise me as I have read other books exploring the topic. It really saddened me. I could picture Cussy’s despair.

No, this did not surprise me but it surely did anger me as I feel such treatment is cruel and unnecessary.

I knew that this had been a practice in our country's history, but I actually thought it was limited to those with developmental disabilities. I was therefore pretty surprised (and shocked!) that Cussy Mary was sterilized while incarcerated. As bad as I feel about current events these days, I'm heartened in my belief that this type of procedure likely wouldn't be performed today.

I knew that forced sterilization was practiced during this time period, but I didn't associate it with the blue people. It was heartbreaking to read.

I agree with Jill's comment above. It was totally unexpected when I found that Cussy had been sterilized. How sad that this was being done.

I don't personally know anyone to whom this has happened but there is a long history of sterilization by those in control who want to eliminate or reduce particular populations. Think of certain minorities, those in prison at one time and many with disabilities.

I don't know anyone personally but have read of the practice. These things continue. Think of all the females in so many cultures that are still being circumcised.

Yes again I was aware of forced sterilization. This was a common practice in the 1800's in most asylums. It has been known to happen to many cultures of people by those who feel they are superior and want to eliminate a race or nationality or group of people - such as the group relegated to asylums, for any reason - a reason as mild as a husband wanting to free himself of his wife.

Early abortionists would often sterilize a woman who came to them to penalize her for not wanting the child. Due the woman's bidding, but then make sure she would never be able to conceive another child.

Cussy's forced sterilization did not surprise me at all. Many US states were still promoting eugenics during this time period in the name of the "public good".