Re B. (a Minor) (Sterilization), 30 April 1987.
A local authority, who had care of seventeen year old mentally handicapped and epileptic girl, sought an order making her a ward and authorizing her sterilization. It claimed that she was becoming sexually aware, did not understand that intercourse could cause childbirth, and would not be able to cope with pregnancy or caring for a child. The Official Solicitor, acting as the girl's guardian ad litem, appealed a decision authorizing the sterilization. The House of Lords ruled that the welfare and best interest of the girl were of paramount concern and that in this case they warranted her sterilization.
D001519:Behavior; D019049:Developed Countries; D005060:Europe; D005193:Family Planning Services; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D007360:Intelligence; D007603:Jurisprudence; D010551:Personality; D011584:Psychology; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive; D006113:United Kingdom
Behavior; Court Decision; Developed Countries; Europe; Family Planning; Intelligence; Mental Retardation--legal aspects; Northern Europe; Personality; Psychological Factors; Sterilization, Sexual--legal aspects; United Kingdom