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Eugenics
A practice that was concerned with improving the future of the human race by controlling human reproduction. Based on the principles of genetics, eugenics emphasizes the importance of increasing reproduction among individuals who are defined as superior and restricting reproduction among (or sterilizing) individuals who have physical or mental deficiencies. In the early part of the 20th century, eugenics was used to sterilize those who were habitual criminals or thought to be feebleminded.