Eugenics aimed to eliminate undesirable traits. But how do you define “undesirable”? There is anecdotal evidence that the incidence of some disorders has decreased due to genetic testing (see “Testing Curbs Some Genetic Diseases,” by Marilyn Marchione). In and of itself, this is a good thing, but is this eugenics? It would be hard to argue that most genetic diseases are undesirable; but some of the steps taken to eliminate disease — abortion, embryo screening — are controversial.

In contrast, there was a an effort to prevent hereditary blindness within the eugenics movement. Its proponents collected pedigrees, drafted legislation to prevent marriage of blind individuals, and surveyed ophthalmologists to assess causes of blindness and the cost to society to provide for the blind in specialized homes and schools. Their intent was to eliminate blindness in future generations. However, this was eugenics because affected individuals would not have been allowed to decide for themselves if the trait was undesirable, or what steps to take eliminate it.

Pedigree of a family with blindness

Pedigree of a family with blindness

Explore the Eugenics Archive, especially the “Hereditary Disorders” topic, for many examples of how eugenicists viewed inherited diseases.