Talk:Forced sterilization in Peru/GA1

GA Review

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Nominator: JD John M. Turner (talk · contribs) 04:43, 23 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Reviewer: Spookyaki (talk · contribs) 03:24, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Hi! I'll be reviewing this. Going to do as much as I can tonight for my first pass, but might not finish entirely.

GA review (see here for what the criteria are, and here for what they are not)

It is reasonably well written.
a (prose, spelling, and grammar): b (MoS for lead, layout, word choice, fiction, and lists):
It is factually accurate and verifiable, as shown by a source spot-check.
a (reference section): b (inline citations to reliable sources): c (OR): d (copyvio and plagiarism):
It is broad in its coverage.
a (major aspects): b (focused):
It follows the neutral point of view policy.
Fair representation without bias:
It is stable.
No edit wars, etc.:
It is illustrated by images and other media, where possible and appropriate.
a (images are tagged and non-free content have non-free use rationales): b (appropriate use with suitable captions):
Overall:
Pass/Fail:

First readthrough, notes

Copyvio looks good. Images look good. Made a few small tweaks myself. Notes:

1990s ethnic cleansing of native peoples → 1990s Peruvian forced sterilization campaign (possible WP:NPOV issue, while it has been "compared to ethnic cleansing", that doesn't seem to be a universally-accepted designation. Arguably, it is actually genocide under Article II(C) of the Genocide Convention, but still, I think "forced sterilization campaign" is probably best. Also, it seems like it wasn't only native people that were affected, though they were a target group) Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
However, there were also Peruvian authors who defended them... — Would "supported" not be a more appropriate term, since they weren't implemented? Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
...inspired by the policies applied in the United States and ~~even in~~ Nazi Germany. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In this scenario, titled "Negotiation and Agreement with Fujimori: Bases of Negotiation—Concept of Directed Democracy and Market Economy," Fujimori would be pressured to accept the military's agenda at least 24 hours before taking office. — What is "this" in this sentence referring to? Also, probably don't need the title here unless it is crucial to disambiguate it from other scenarios. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
...disproportionately targeted impoverished and indigenous women, particularly in rural areas. A media controversy orchestrated by Fujimori during his first term (1990–1995) created a conducive environment for his future sterilisation campaign. — These claims need to be cited. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
However, after 1995, sterilizations were increasingly performed without prior medical conditions, targeting women from poor and marginalized communities. → However, after 1995, sterilizations were increasingly performed on people without prior medical conditions, targeting women from poor and marginalized communities. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Many of the healthcare personnel involved... often under coercion. — This paragraph is a bit redundant with the "Methods of coercion" section. Parts could be deleted or moved to that section. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Notably, many of the rural areas targeted by the program were not overpopulated, but were located in inaccessible, poor and marginalized areas. — Seems like the use of the word "notably" could be editorializing per MOS:EDITORIAL, but the placement of the citation makes me believe that perhaps there was some specific intention behind its use here. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
A significant number of sterilizations were also performed following cesarean sections and without informed consent. — "Informed consent" should probably be linked/explained here, not all the way down in the "Denial" section. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
However, a US congressional investigation led by members of the religious right, who were deeply opposed to sterilization, found no evidence USAID was funding forced sterilizations. — Needs to be cited. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Some far-right politicians in Washington opposed USAID's funding of family planning initiatives in the country. → Some far-right American politicians opposed USAID's funding of family planning initiatives in the country. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Reports also revealed that health professionals... targets could lose their career advancement. — Is there a reason this is in the "Peruvian Catholic Church and NGOs" section? Were these reports by NGOs? Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Suggestions not required for GA

Women were frequently sterilized without informed consent... — Link Informed consent? Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
These views were primarily promoted by the country's white and mestizo elites... — Link and italicize mestizo? MOS:NONENGITALIC Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
...but access remained unequal, with middle-class women enjoying more resources compared to poor, rural, and ~~predominantly~~ indigenous women. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
I don't think I usually see the term "Other" capitalized, at least in the postcolonial/queer feminist contexts that I am most familiar with (though maybe I just haven't noticed). It is capitalized in its own article, though, so I guess it's probably correct. Just seems odd to me. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Would "Driving Peru into the 21st Century" not be a more natural translation of Impulsar al Perú al siglo XXI? Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The prime minister's report, Basic Social Policy Guidelines, and the document Social Policy: Situation and Perspectives both influenced the direction of the sterilization campaign, emphasizing permanent birth control for the poor as a critical element of economic recovery... — Titles are probably not necessary here. Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Overall, looks like a fantastic article to me. Extremely happy to see such excellent coverage of topics in the human rights domain. Will begin the spot check soon, but am going to take a break for now. Thanks for your work! Spookyaki (talk) 04:49, 2 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Second readthrough, spot check

Targeting impoverished and predominantly indigenous women in rural Andean regions, this program became the largest state-sponsored sterilization effort in the Americas. — Cannot access this source. Could you give me the relevant passages? Spookyaki (talk) 01:47, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
For fns 2, 3, 8, 10, 11 and 11 the page numbers seem off. In the copy I'm looking at, the relevant passages are on pages 3, 10, 6/8, 8 and 10 respectively. It's possible it's different in your copy, which is fine. Just make sure that the page numbers are right. Spookyaki (talk) 01:47, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
...the imperatives of racial hygiene. — Direct quote, should be paraphrased or put in quotation marks. Spookyaki (talk) 01:47, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Is a particular section of Ewig being cited in fn 7, or the entire thing? Spookyaki (talk) 01:47, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
These views were primarily promoted by the country's white and mestizo elites. — Could you provide the supporting passage(s) for me? Spookyaki (talk) 01:51, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In the 1930s, the Peruvian government encouraged the immigration of white Europeans as part of efforts to alter the country's racial composition. — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 01:51, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
However, there were also Peruvian authors who supported them, inspired by the policies applied in the United States and Nazi Germany. — Stucchi-Portocarrero p. 8 clearly supports the claim that Peruvian eugenic movements were influenced by Nazi Germany, but I don't see any mention of the United States. Could you provide the supporting passage? Spookyaki (talk) 01:47, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
As the sexual revolution unfolded in the United States and globally... — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 01:47, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Due to the Church's influence, the 1985 legislation did not legalize voluntary sterilization or abortion, a decision that disappointed many feminist activists. — Didn't catch this last time, but the "1985 legislation" (I assume the 1985 National Law on Population) is not mentioned before this point, so it doesn't make sense to refer to "the" 1985 legislation. This point should be expanded upon. Spookyaki (talk) 01:47, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In the 1980s, the Peruvian Armed Forces grew increasingly frustrated with President Alan García's inability to address the country's economic and political crises, including the civil war. In response, the military began drafting a plan to overthrow his government and implement a neoliberal economic system under an authoritarian regime. — Cannot access fn 18. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
...as in neo-Malthusian theory... — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Business elites, who maintained close relations with military planners, supported this agenda, providing economic ideas that aligned with the military's goals. — This information seems to be on page 74 for me, not page 60. Is that true for you? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
One key aspect of this plan, detailed in a volume titled Driving Peru into the XXI Century (Spanish: Impulsar al Perú al siglo XXI), involved a population control strategy aimed at impoverished citizens. — Cannot access fn 18. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Peruvian analyst Fernando Rospigliosi likened these ideas to those of the Nazis, noting the extreme language used in the plan... — Cannot access fn 18. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Montesinos modified the original strategy to centralize his authority, increasing the power of the SIN and decreasing the institutional influence of the military. This adaptation allowed Montesinos to hold power behind the throne through the SIN, leaving aside the initial military architects of the plan. — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Rospigliosi suggested that an agreement was reached between Fujimori, his intelligence chief Vladimiro Montesinos, and key military officers involved in Plan Verde prior to Fujimori's inauguration. — Cannot access fn 18. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
As a result, many of the policies outlined in Plan Verde were later adopted during Fujimori's administration. — This information is also on page 74 for me, not page 60. Is that true for you? Spookyaki (talk) 02:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The Family Planning Program (1991–1998) was initially supported by national and international organizations due to the historical neglect of comprehensive reproductive health policies in Peru. — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In 1993, the government expanded the program, citing the need for population control to ensure the provision of basic social services. Reports from the prime minister influenced the direction of the sterilization campaign, emphasizing permanent birth control for the poor as a critical element of economic recovery. — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? I cannot find a reference to such an expansion in Ewig. Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Before the program's expansion, fewer than 15,000 sterilizations were performed annually, primarily for women with specific health risks or those with multiple children. However, after 1995, sterilizations were increasingly performed on people without prior medical conditions, targeting women from poor and marginalized communities. By 1996, the number of sterilizations had increased to 67,000, and by 1997, it reached 115,000. — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? I cannot find any of these numbers in Ewig. Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The program was presented using progressive rhetoric, with Fujimori framing population control as essential for modernization and economic growth. — Cite pages 641 and 643. Also, please provide the passage where these ideas are framed as being progressive. Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
He criticized the Catholic Church, which opposed the use of modern contraceptive methods, as an obstacle to family planning efforts. — Cite page 641. Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Notably, many of the rural areas targeted by the program were not overpopulated, but were located in inaccessible, poor and marginalized areas. — Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? I cannot find any references to targeted rural areas not being overpopulated in Ewig. Also, provide passages(s) supporting the idea that the source views this as being notable. Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Between 1996 and 2000, an estimated 300,000 Peruvians were sterilized, the vast majority of whom were indigenous, poor, and illiterate women. — Misrepresenting the source. On page 100, it says that "over 200,000 women were sterilised without giving free, prior and informed consent between 1996–2000", not 300,000. (Vasquez Del Aguila, p. 100) Also be sure to include other estimates from page 104. "The total number of sterilisations and vasectomies under the NPRHFP are unclear. Table 1 shows oﬃcial data of 260,874 sterilisations and 21,494 vasectomies during the six years of the Programme, but several other sources estimate that more than 300,000 sterilisations were conducted". (Vasquez Del Aguila, p. 104) Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Fujimori's government used feminist discourse to legitimize the campaign, framing it as a progressive step toward women's empowerment and family planning, even as human rights violations occurred. The sterilization program has since been condemned as a violation of human rights and a case of state-led abuse of vulnerable populations. — Cannot access this source. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 03:24, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
During the implementation of sterilization programs in Peru, numerous procedures were performed under coercive circumstances. Indigenous women often faced pressure when seeking basic healthcare, such as treatment for minor ailments, vaccinations, or routine check-ups. — I do not see any support for this on page 740 of Kravetz. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In some instances, individuals who visited clinics for conditions like the flu were anesthetized and sterilized without their consent. Cesarean sections were also used as opportunities to carry out sterilizations without informed consent... — The informed consent claim is substantiated by page 740 of Kravetz, but I don't see any support for the other claims. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
...and healthcare workers sometimes offered food incentives—such as bags of rice—to persuade women to undergo the procedure. — I cannot find any support for this claim in Ewig. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Moreover, many healthcare workers lacked adequate training, and the facilities used were frequently outdated or poorly equipped. Counseling services were minimal, leaving women unaware of the procedure’s risks and implications. — I do not see any evidence of this claim on page 106 of Vasquez Del Aguila. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Additional forms of coercion included threats involving police and military intervention, denial of healthcare services, and, in extreme cases, threats of imprisonment. These tactics were employed to pressure women into accepting sterilization without fully understanding its consequences or providing genuine consent. — I do not see any evidence of this on page 740 of Kravetz. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In certain areas, Shining Path guerrillas reportedly protected some Indigenous communities from the forced sterilization efforts carried out by Ministry of Health brigades. — This claim must be cited. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The sterilization practices, which occurred predominantly during the 1990s, have been compared to ethnic cleansing and, in some instances, labeled as genocide. — Firstly, Kravetz 740 does not appear to support this claim. Secondly, only one of the sources listed here (Back & Zavala) actually makes an argument that the campaign was an instance of ethnic cleansing. It seems like they mostly argue that the campaign constituted genocide. It might be more accurate to say that they have been "labeled as genocide and in some instances compared to ethnic cleansing". Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
..."genocidal intent disguised behind a supposed birth control policy". — I cannot find this quote on pages 27-28 of Getgen, or anywhere in Getgen for that matter. Is it in Ballón Gutiérrez? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Plan Verde's architects reportedly perceived the reproductive capabilities of indigenous populations as a threat to national stability, linking these communities to communist insurgencies, such as the Shining Path guerrilla group. — Cannot access fn 1. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Alejandra Ballón Gutiérrez, a Peruvian researcher, asserts that forced sterilization served as "a weapon of war and an instrument of torture" aimed at indigenous women. — Cannot access fn 39. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Also, how does fn 25 support this claim? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Under Ollanta Humala's administration, the Registry of Victims of Forced Sterilizations (Reviesfo) within the Peruvian Ministry of Justice was created in 2016. — While Reviesfo is discussed on pages 14-15 on Carranza Ko, its establishment is not. That is discussed on page 25, and there it says that it was established under Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's administration. It does not give a year for its establishment. Is there something I'm missing? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
...this agency was able to identify at least 5,000 women who underwent sterilization against their will. Therefore, the actual number is estimated to be higher. — I cannot find any reference to this 5,000 number in either Carranza Ko or Vasquez Del Aguila. Could you provide the supporting passage(s)? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
According to Peru's congressional subcommittee investigations, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Nippon Foundation supported the sterilization efforts of the Fujimori government. — Cite page 46 of Informe final... Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
For three decades, USAID has been the principal foreign donor to family planning in Peru. Until the 1990s, the Peruvian government's commitment to providing family planning services was limited. — While Chávez et al. does appear to support this claim, it doesn't appear to have a page 109 (it begins on page 139). Are your page number different? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In January 1998, David Morrison, from the U.S.-based NGO Population Research Institute (PRI), traveled to Peru to investigate claims of human rights abuses related to these programs. During his visit, Morrison gathered testimony from Peruvian politicians and other figures opposed to family planning but did not meet with USAID officials in Peru. — Same as above. This information is on page 140 in my copy. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Upon his return to the United States, the PRI submitted its findings to U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, a member of the Republican Party, urging for the suspension of USAID's family planning efforts in Peru. Smith subsequently dispatched a member of his staff to Peru for further investigation. — Also page 140. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In February 1998, another far-right U.S. organization, the Latin American Alliance for the Family, sent its director to Peru to examine the situation, again without consulting USAID officials. On February 25, 1998, a subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on International Relations, chaired by Smith, held a hearing on "the Peruvian population control program". — This is on pages 140-141 for me. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Allegations that USAID was funding forced sterilizations in Peru prompted Congressman Todd Tiahrt to introduce the "Tiahrt Amendment" in 1998. However, the subcommittee concluded that USAID's funding had not supported the abuses committed by the Peruvian government. — Tiahrt is given a passing mention on page 141 of Chávez et al, but his amendment is not discussed. I don't see any mention of Tiahrt at all in fn 46. Am I missing something? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Efforts to address the forced sterilizations have been pursued by both civil society and the government. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in 2001 to investigate two decades of civil war between the Shining Path, rondas campesinas (peasant militias), and the Peruvian military. — This context for the report needs to be sourced. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Its final report, published in 2003, concluded that Vladimiro Montesinos had taken the Plan Verde military conspiracy beyond what its original plotters had envisioned. — This is supported by pages 336-337 of the report. Right now the pages are listed as 328–305, which I assume is a mistake. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The Commission was criticized, however, for not investigating the forced sterilization campaign. — This claim needs to be cited. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
This position was often articulated through the defense of women's "right to motherhood." The Church's opposition gained international attention through media statements that emphasized concerns about violations of personal freedoms. — While this is mostly supported by fn 42, I don't see the phrase "Right to Motherhood" anywhere in the source. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Feminist organizations, such as the NGO Flora Tristán... prior and informed consent. — This is supported by Vasquez Del Aguila, but in my copy, it's on page 105. Is it different in yours? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Reports by NGOs also revealed that health professionals were incentivized with bonuses ranging from $4 to $30 for each woman they "persuaded" and sterilized, and promotions were given based on meeting sterilization quotas. Professionals who did not meet these targets could lose their career advancement. — A few problems here. Firstly, it's not just reports by "NGOs," it's the same NGO: Flora Tristán. Including this claim in its own section is misleading. Secondly, the source says that the bonuses ranged from "U.S.$4 to $10," not $4 to $30. The currency should also be specified. Finally, the page here is also different in my copy. In mine, this information is also on page 105, not 109. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The links on fn 49 don't seem to be working for me. Could you fix them and provide me the relevant passage(s) from this excerpt?: Publicly, the Fujimori administration and Fujimorists denied the existence of a forced sterilization program... Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
While the Toledo administration condemned the practice of forced sterilizations, it also faced criticism for other reproductive rights violations... — While this is discussed in Vasquez Del Aguila, it is on page 107 for me, not 109. Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which defines the legal parameters of international crimes, classifies forced sterilization as a crime against humanity. — While this is true under article 7(G) of the Rome Statute, I don't see any support for this claim in the DW article. Am I missing something? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Okay, spot check done. Thanks again for your hard work! It does seem like (unless somehow we are using completely different versions of these sources) there are some pretty major issues, particularly in the latter half of the article. How long do you think it will take you to address them? Spookyaki (talk) 06:30, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you very much for your reviews. I will correct these errors immediately. JD John M. Turner (talk) 15:56, 3 January 2025 (UTC)[reply]