Dr. DeJarnette was the voice of Virginia in advocating for eugenic sterilization in the early 1900s. He, along with countless other superintendents, believed that mental illness was being passed down from generation to generation through their genetics. Scientists such as Francis Galton and Gregory Mendel argued that the human population was deteriorating in intelligence and competence. They feared the less able women (the mentally ill) were reproducing at a much higher rate than the more able women. Therefore, eugenic sterilization was the answer. By sterilizing the mentally ill, and not allowing them to reproduce, mental illness could potentially be breeded out of existence.

 

How did DeJarnette argue that this procedure guaranteed patients basic rights? Because reproduction of the unfit would no longer be a threat, patients could then be discharged once cured and return to society, instead of being warehoused in the asylum. They would then be able to enjoy marriage, love, and jobs.  Along with giving patients the freedom of a life outside the asylum, DeJarnette also argued it had an economic benefit. It would save institutions large amounts of money yearly but not having to continiously be responsible for a growing number of mentally ill patients.

 

Below are numerous pieces of evidence supporting this analysis of his views. DeJarnette published various articles that explicitly explained his beliefs and justifications for eugenics. The first time his support for eugenics was made known in written form was in the 1908 Annual Record for Western State Hospital. Read these publications and Annual Records yourself and learn first hand what he believed.