By State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex)
(406 words)
As I read the articles on the allegations of unauthorized hysterectomies that have been performed on women in the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia, all I could do is shake my head and think, “Jesus, we need you now more than ever.”
When I arrived at the detention center on September 19, I saw cars leaving with signs that said, “Immigrants Matter.” I got out my car and began to think about how my fellow state legislators are so proud to stand up against women having abortions, but I have not heard a word from them denouncing the unwanted and unlawful hysterectomies to women in the Irwin County Detention Center. Legislators on both sides of the aisle should be outraged because this center may be taking away these women’s right to having a child. This is just wrong on so many levels.
It occurred to me as I am sitting here looking out the window that if they are performing unlawful hysterectomies on women, they probably are sterilizing the men too. God said, “What you do in the dark, it will come to the light.” This is totally unacceptable, and we all should be outraged.
I would like to thank Ms. Dawn Wooten for coming forward to tell the world about this unlawful violation of immigrants’ rights. After learning of Ms. Wooten’s testimony, I am calling for a criminal investigation into the abuse of these women. I would like to know how many women have been forced to undergo a hysterectomy, as well as how many of these women have unknowingly undergone a hysterectomy. Furthermore, I would like for there to be an investigation of how many men have been sterilized at this detention center. Each day the number continues to rise; it started out with one, and as of September 20, it is eight. We need for this practice to stop, and we need it to stop now.
I was hoping that someone heard my cry for an investigation into these allegations. I am glad to see that several members of Congress have visited the detention center this past weekend and called for the facility to be shut down pending an investigation into unauthorized hysterectomies given to women immigrants. I am also glad that they have asked for an investigation as well. Hopefully, one will be done, and they will do the right thing. This is unlawful and totally unacceptable. Georgians want answers.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
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