Lawmakers seek audit on circumstances of prison sterilizations

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Aug 21, 2013

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Lawmakers seek audit on circumstances of prison sterilizations

California lawmakers are calling for a state audit of the legally questionable practice of sterilizing women inmates. Experts say it is part of the state’s dark history with a discredited social philosophy.

Beds are seen at one of the housing units of at the Folsom Women's Facility in Folsom, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013. The former community correctional facility will reopen next week to house about 400 female inmates as part of a reorganization with the California prison system. Ceremonies dedicating the facility were held Wednesday followed by tours for dignitaries and the media.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

California lawmakers are calling for a state audit of the legally questionable practice of sterilizing women inmates. Experts say it is part of the state’s dark history with a discredited social philosophy.

California lawmakers today are expected to seek an audit of California's bullet train project. They want to look into how land in the Central Valley is being purchased and whether land owners will be able to appeal.

Also on the docket is a state audit of the legally questionable practice of sterilizing women in prison. This follows last month's report from the Center for Investigative Reporting that said at least 148 female inmates had received unapproved tubal ligations in California prisons.

As Pauline Bartolone of Capital Public Radio explains, it's part of the state's dark history with a discredited social philosophy.