$50K urged for N.C. sterilization victims

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RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Victims of North Carolina's forced sterilization program should get $50,000 in compensation, a governor's task force said Tuesday.

As many as 2,000 of the 7,600 victims of the program, which ran from 1929 to 1974, are still alive, the task force estimates. The North Carolina Eugenics Board targeted uneducated young women, women from poor families and those deemed to be mentally ill or mentally deficient.

Dr. Laura Gerald, chairwoman of the task force, said the group wants to send a message that the state is willing to pay for its mistakes, the Charlotte (N.C.) Observer reported.

North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis said he will form a legislative committee to discuss the issue and hopes to vote on a bill in May, the newspaper said.