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They were still doing this in far north united states and Canada till 2019.New Mexico to Investigate Past Forced Sterilizations of Native American WomenIn the 1970s, thousands of Native American women in the United States were sterilized without full and informed consent. Many of these procedures were carried out through the Indian Health Service, the federal agency responsible for providing health care to Native communities. As a result, many women were permanently prevented from having children, often without fully understanding what was happening.Now, decades later, the state of New Mexico is taking steps to examine this painful chapter of history.This week, New Mexico lawmakers approved a measure directing the state’s Indian Affairs Department and the Commission on the Status of Women to study the issue. The investigation will look into the history, the number of women affected, and the long-term impact these procedures had on families and communities.The review will also examine how these actions affected women of color more broadly. Officials are expected to present their findings to the governor by the end of 2027.Supporters of the measure say it is important to acknowledge what happened and understand its lasting effects. They believe that examining the past can help promote accountability, awareness, and healing for affected communities.State Sen. Linda Lopez, one of the sponsors of the legislation, said it is important for New Mexico to recognize and understand the harm that took place within the state.The investigation aims to bring greater transparency to this issue and ensure that such actions are never repeated.