The idea of eugenics, or selective breeding, became popular in the United States early in the 20th century. According to the movement's critics, elements of eugenics were later used as a model for the social engineering and forced sterilization policies of the German Nazis.

More than seven thousand people were forcibly sterilized in Virginia between 1924 and 1979, according to the Associated Press. Virginia state law targeted individuals for sterilization who had any human shortcomings believed to be hereditary, including alcoholism, criminal behavior, mental retardation and mental illness, the A.P. report stated, adding that similar laws existed in 29 other states.