Criminal Dimensions of Forced Sterilization of Romani Women: A Focus on Gender - Based Violence and Deprivation of Liberty

This paper examines the forced sterilization of Romani
women as a serious violation of human rights and a fundamental denial of personal liberty.
Drawing on legal, sociological, and feminist frameworks, the analysis demonstrates how this practice reflects intersecting forms of racial and
gender - based discrimination within healthcare systems and state institutions. Romani women in vulnerable socio - economic circumstances have been systematically denied autonomy over their reproductive choices, highlighting broader patterns of structural exclusion. The findings emphasize the need to address forced sterilization not only as a criminal offense but also as a form of institutionalized violence that requires urgent legal,
policy, and institutional reforms to protect personal liberty and advance reproductive justice.
Keywords
Discrimination; Liberty; Roma; Gender Based Violence; Systemic Racism;
Romani
Women
;
Antigypsyism