The Struggle for Reproductive Justice: Geynna Buffington’s Journey
Geynna Buffington’s story is a poignant reminder of the intersection between incarceration, reproductive rights, and systemic injustice. Released from prison at the age of 40, Buffington faced the daunting reality of trying to conceive a child, unaware that her past medical procedures would significantly hinder her chances. For over a year, she battled with the emotional and physical toll of infertility, not knowing that a procedure she underwent nearly a decade earlier had robbed her of her reproductive freedom.
A Troubling Medical Procedure
In 1998, while serving time at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, Buffington was subjected to an endometrial ablation. This procedure, intended to treat an abnormal pap smear, destroys the uterine lining and is not recommended for individuals who wish to bear children in the future. Unfortunately, Buffington was not informed of the potential consequences on her fertility. “That is so humanly low for someone to make the decision that I don’t deserve to have children because I’m incarcerated,” she reflected, expressing her deep sense of loss and injustice.
The Fight for Recognition
Buffington’s struggle did not end with her release. She sought acknowledgment from the state regarding the impact of her sterilization, leading her to apply for California’s reparations program for individuals who were forcibly sterilized while in state institutions. Despite her efforts, the California Victim Compensation Board denied her applications multiple times, citing that endometrial ablation did not qualify as sterilization under the law. They argued that the procedure was performed to treat a medical condition and did not eliminate fertility.
However, Buffington’s persistence paid off when an Alameda County Superior Court judge ruled in her favor, stating that the board had misinterpreted the law. The judge emphasized that informed consent is crucial in such medical decisions, and the lack of it in Buffington’s case warranted reconsideration of her application.
A Historical Context of Forced Sterilization
Buffington’s experience is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, troubling history of forced sterilizations in California. From the early 1900s until the late 20th century, over 20,000 individuals—predominantly poor women, people of color, and those with disabilities—were subjected to involuntary sterilizations under California’s eugenics laws. Although these laws were repealed in 1979, the practice continued in various forms, with a 2014 state audit revealing that at least 794 individuals in state prisons underwent procedures that could lead to sterilization between 2005 and 2013.
The most notorious figure in this dark chapter was Dr. James Heinrich, who, during his tenure at Valley State Prison, ordered numerous ablations without proper consent. His comments about the financial implications of sterilization for the state highlighted a disturbing attitude towards the reproductive rights of incarcerated women.
Legislative Changes and Ongoing Challenges
In 2021, California passed a reparations law aimed at acknowledging the wrongful sterilization of vulnerable populations. However, the implementation of this law has faced significant hurdles, with over 75% of applicants being denied reparations. The compensation board’s narrow interpretation of what constitutes sterilization has left many survivors, like Buffington, feeling overlooked and marginalized.
In response to the ongoing challenges, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law extending the deadline for survivors to appeal their denials, allowing them until January 2026 to seek justice. This extension reflects a recognition of the systemic failures within the compensation process and the need for a more inclusive approach to reparations.
Buffington’s Victory and Its Implications
Buffington’s legal victory is a significant milestone for survivors of forced sterilization. After years of denial, she finally received her reparations payment, which she plans to save for her retirement. “I felt like some justice was being done—that I was being seen,” she expressed, highlighting the emotional weight of her long-fought battle.
Her case serves as a beacon of hope for other survivors who have faced similar injustices. Advocates believe that this ruling could pave the way for broader recognition and compensation for those wrongfully sterilized, emphasizing the need for systemic change within the compensation board.
The Path Forward
As Buffington continues her work as a certified peer support specialist and assistant director at a nonprofit organization, her story underscores the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and ensuring that such injustices do not recur. The ongoing dialogue surrounding reproductive rights, particularly for marginalized populations, remains critical as society grapples with the implications of historical abuses.
The compensation board’s future actions will be closely watched, as advocates and survivors alike hope for a more equitable process that recognizes the diverse experiences of those affected by forced sterilization. The journey towards justice is far from over, but Buffington’s resilience and determination shine a light on the path forward for many others seeking recognition and reparations.