Protecting Life from Substance Abuse and the Legacy of Eugenics

Today on JustLove, we are exploring two very difficult topics. Both have carried legacies particular to the American experience: the history of addiction and policy responses of varying efficacy and effect, and the black experience of forced sterilization in the name of eugenic policies – and the path towards pro-life activism. Dr. Kenneth Leonard, Ph.D., is the Director and Senior Research Scientist at the University at Buffalo’s Clinical & Research Institute on Addiction. He joins us to highlight the current state of substance abuse in the United States given October’s designation as “Substance Abuse Prevention Month.” Elaine Riddick is a pro-life activist and the Executive Director of the Rebecca Project for Justice located in Marietta, Georgia. She shares her extraordinary story of how in 1968 at 14 years of age she was forcibly sterilized under North Carolina’s Eugenic Laws. Her experience spurred her onto her Pro-Life work for vulnerable young women to this day.

Dr. Kenneth Leonard, Ph.D. is the Director and Senior Research Scientist at the University at Buffalo’s Clinical & Research Institute on Addiction.

Elaine Riddick is a pro-life activist and the Executive Director of the Rebecca Project for Justice located in Marietta, Georgia.

Listen now.