Forced Sterilization

Re “Forced Sterilization Once Seen as Path to a Better World,” July 16: The problem with the sterilizations that took place through the 1970s is that they were using very questionable -- and too-inclusive -- criteria. The only sensible criterion is: Is the person able to raise children?

Institutions for the retarded have wards for the profoundly retarded (IQs of 0 to 30) where many have not been able to learn to control their bowels and have learned little or no speech. They have the minds of 2- or 3-year-olds. Would you hire someone with a mental age of 3 to baby-sit your children?

Bob Spencer

Santa Monica