Chemical castration
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It has been suggested that Medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment be merged into this article or section. (Discuss) |
Chemical castration is the administration of medication designed to reduce libido and sexual activity, usually in the hope of preventing rapists, pedophiles and other sex offenders (a predominantly male population) from reoffending. Recidivism rates are very high among sexual offenders once released[1], thus a humane method of treating them has been sought other than life long imprisonment or surgical castration. Chemical castration is not surgical castration (when testes are removed through an incision in the scrotum)[2] nor is it a form of sterilization. Unlike actual castration, no permanent physical change is caused in the body, and the process is considered reversible when treatment is discontinued (for this reason, the term "chemical castration" has been called a misnomer[3]). Chemical castration involves the administration of anti-androgen drugs, such as cyproterone or the birth-control drug Depo-Provera (an injection that lasts for three months per dose, making compliance easier to track). When used by men, these drugs can reduce sex drive, compulsive sexual fantasies, and capacity for sexual arousal. Life-threatening side effects are rare, but some users show increases in body fat and reduced bone density, which increase long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. They may also experience other "feminising" effects such as breast growth, reduced body hair, and loss of muscle mass[4].
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[edit] Chemical castration in the United States
At least six states in the United States (California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Montana) have experimented with chemical castration laws. California was the first state to use chemical castration as a punishment for sex offenders. In cases in which the victim is under 13 years of age, California judges may require first-time offenders to undergo chemical castration. After a second offense, treatment is mandatory.[5][6] In Iowa and Florida, offenders may be sentenced to chemical castration in all cases involving serious sex offenses. As in California, treatment is mandatory after a second offense. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed Senate Bill 144 June 25, 2008, allowing Louisiana judges to sentence convicted rapists to chemical castration. [7][8][9] Depo-Provera (Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate), a progestin, is a drug that is sometimes used on sex offenders.[8]
[edit] California
Following the passage of a modification to Section 645 of the California penal code in 1996,[10] California became the first U.S. state to enact compulsory chemical castration as punishment for child molestation.[11] This law stipulates that anyone convicted of child molestation with a minor under 13 years of age may be treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (brand name: Depo Provera) if they are on parole and if this is their second offense.[10] Offenders are required to accept the chemical castration treatment.[11] The passage of this law led to similar laws, such as Florida's Statute Section 794.0235 which was passed into law in 1997.[12]
[edit] Chemical castration in Europe
Poland is expected to become the first member of the European Union to give judges the power to impose chemical castration on convicted pedophiles, using hormonal drugs to curb sexual appetite. Spain is also considering plans to offer chemical castration.
[edit] Chemical castration in Israel
In May 2009, two brothers from Haifa, convicted pedophiles, agreed to undergo chemical castration to avoid committing further crimes.[13]
[edit] Criticism
Though generally considered more humane than surgical castration, chemical castration has attracted a number of critics.
The American Civil Liberties Union opposes the coerced administration of any drug, including antiandrogen drugs for sex offenders, arguing that forced chemical castration was a "cruel and unusual punishment", and thereby constitutionally prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. They also stated that it interfered with the right to procreate, and could expose users to various health problems.[9]
Large doses are required to be effective in men. Most men will receive 400 mg to 500 mg per week. In some cases, men given oral doses as high as 700 mg/day have still reported regular sexual arousal and fantasies.[citation needed]
[edit] Side effects
As with the majority of prescription medications, the use of Depo-Provera can cause several side effects including weight gain, fatigue, malaise, hypertension, mild depression, hypoglycemia and rare changes in liver enzymes.
Chemical castration may sometimes cause gynecomastia (development of breasts), a side effect that is sometimes treated with tamoxifen, a SERM.
[edit] Notes
- ^ http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/rsorp94.htm
- ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/04/AR2006070400960_2.html
- ^ "Chemical castration - breaking the cycle of paraphiliac recidivism" Social Justice, Spring, 1999 by Christopher Meisenkothen.
- ^ [1]
- ^ California code
- ^ "Chemical castration for paedophiles approved" in California 21 September 1996
- ^ Iowa Code 2007 Quick Retrieval
- ^ a b The 2007 Florida Statutes: 794.0235 Administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to persons convicted of sexual battery.
- ^ a b Chemical Castration: A Return to the Dark Ages Florida, August 1997, PDF
- ^ a b "XII. SEX OFFENDERS: Children and minors". California State Senate. http://www.sen.ca.gov/ftp/SEN/COMMITTEE/STANDING/PUBLICSAFETY/bills/_6bill12.htm. Retrieved on 2006-11-23. The web page notes the Chemical Castration clause as a repeal and an addition to Section 645.
- ^ a b "California child molesters could face chemical castration". CNN. 1996-08-29. http://www.cnn.com/US/9608/29/castration/. Retrieved on 2006-11-23.
- ^ LARRY HELM SPALDING (1998). "FLORIDA'S 1997 CHEMICAL CASTRATION LAW: A RETURN TO THE DARK AGES". Florida State University Law Review.
- ^ Article from the Israeli paper Haaretz
