Asexualization

/eɪˌsɛkʃuəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

American spelling: the process of becoming asexual or the removal of sexual characteristics from a person or organism.

Etymology

From asexual + -ization (American noun-forming suffix from -ize + -tion), standardized in American English since the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Medical and legal history includes disturbing examples of forced asexualization of institutionalized people—the existence of a formal noun shows how this practice was once systematized and discussed in clinical terms.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

American spelling; refers to forced sterilization disproportionately applied to women, particularly women with disabilities and women of color throughout 20th century eugenics movements.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'forced sterilization' for historical violence. Reserve 'asexualization' for medical/technical contexts only when referring to intentional procedures, always with consent status clear.

Inclusive Alternatives

["forced sterilization","involuntary sterilization","reproductive coercion"]

Empowerment Note

Survivors of forced sterilization have documented their stories through reproductive justice and disability rights movements. Modern asexual communities reclaim asexuality as affirming identity.

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