Eugenics, Abortion, and Our Future: The Quest for Perfection | Answers in Genesis

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Sadly, our culture is poised to repeat a grave error in the most serious of areas—human life. A tragic chapter in history began in the early 1900s with the rise of the eugenics (which means “well-born”) movement. Many prominent philanthropists, scientists, and politicians believed that the human race was degrading because the poor, sick, and deformed were cared for and therefore survived to reproduce. Because of their acceptance of molecules-to-man evolution, these cultural leaders believed that mankind would only progress if laws were passed to enforce sterilization and segregation of the “undesirables,” and if immigration and marriage of the same were restricted. Margaret Sanger embraced these ideas, and they were foundational in her establishment of Planned Parenthood. Although the eugenics movement lost momentum when it was associated with the horrors of the Nazi regime, it didn’t die. Instead it became “quiet and careful.” A resurgence of eugenics is brewing. Modern Planned Parenthood still advocates many eugenic ideals. As Christians it is our responsibility to view life from God’s perspective and to defend all of those who are created in His image. No matter how impaired a human life may seem, every person has value because they are made in God’s image to bring glory to Himself. DR. GEORGIA PURDOM is the first female PhD scientist engaged in full-time research and speaking on the book of Genesis for a creationist organization.