[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—In a letter published
in your issue of August 1st, Mr. F. M. Avis states that the Mental Deficiency Committee of 1929 sums up definitely against sterilization. This is scarcely accurate. The report states (p. 88) "that if it could be proved, that sterilization could be safely and profitably applied even to certain groups or categories of defectives the question of its adaptation would no doubt deserve careful attention."
The committee admit that institutional accommodation for all mental defectives is inconceivable. The cost would be enormous. Already more than half of the whole number of adult defectives are left in the community with or with- out some degree of supervision or other forms of care and the committee prepare us "to face a large increase in the numbers of defectives who will remain always or for varying periods members of the outside world."
In view of the facts it would appear that sterilization in certain cases is desirable in the interests of the individual and the community. Freewill on the part of the defective in this matter does not appear to be so important as careful diagnosis and prognosis on the part of the medical profession. After all, the defective is not consulted on the question of his segregation.—! am, Sir, &c.,
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