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In passing, we should here recognize the difficulties presented by the idea of 'fit' and 'unfit.' Who is to decide this question? The grosser, the more obvious, the undeniably feeble-minded should, indeed, not only be discouraged but prevented from propagating their kind. But among the writings of the representative Eugenists one cannot ignore the distinct middle-class bias that prevails.

Margaret Sanger#8

EthicsEugenicsPolicyClassScienceBias

About this quote

What does it mean?
Sanger critiques the eugenics debate, questioning who decides ‘fit’ versus ‘unfit’ and noting a middle‑class bias among eugenicists.
In plain terms
Who decides fitness in eugenics? The discourse is biased toward the middle class.
What can you take from it?
Beware of elitist definitions of human worth in policy.

Where it applies

  • public health policy
  • bioethics discussions

Putting it to work

  • ensuring inclusive decision‑making
  • challenging class bias

Questions to consider

  • Who should have authority over genetic decisions?
  • How does class influence scientific agendas?

Another view

The quote reflects historical prejudice and may not apply directly today.

More from Margaret Sanger

  1. [Charity] conceals a stupid cruelty, because it is not courageous enough to face unpleasant facts. Aside from the question of the unfitness of many women to be…

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  2. Eugenics aims to arouse the enthusiasm or the interest of the people in the welfare of the world fifteen or twenty generations in the future. On its negative s…

    Permalink to quote #9
  3. While there are cases where even the law recognizes an abortion as justifiable if recommended by a physician, I assert that the hundreds of thousands of aborti…

    Permalink to quote #6

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