 |
| 麻州州長Maura Healey和副州長Kim Driscoll為州政府大樓內的光明節儀式致詞。 （周菊子攝） |
 |
| 麻州參議會議長Karen Spika透露，一名猶太牧師是她的表親。（周菊子攝） |
此法實施後，包括許多現已關閉的至少25個州立機構，將必須向家屬及學者，公開已有75年歷史，或已逝世50年以上患者的資料。
 |
| 左起，麻州眾議員Aaron Michlewitz，波士頓大牧師Rebbe Korff，猶太慈善聯合機構 Marc Baker，麻州財政廳廳長Deb Goldberg。（周菊子攝） |
奚莉州長表示，讓家屬取得自己親人在州立機構接受治療的記錄，不僅能夠幫助家屬了解自己的家族歷史，也讓研究人員和學者能夠更完整的講述，受哪些機構影響的許多人的故事。她說，「雖然我們無法改變過去發生的事，但我們今天正盡力給回家屬他們應得的尊嚴。感謝那些長期倡導這項改變並分享個人故事的人，也感謝議員們和立法機關的堅定支持」。
這法案的通過，不僅改變了州立機構的行政程序，也有更深的社會與歷史意義，包括賦予家屬知情權和尊嚴，一如參議會會長Karen Spika和參議員Michael Barrett 所指出，麻州在發展健康和行為治療（Developmental Health and Behavioral Treatment
）上的一段“黑暗歷史”，應被正視，讓家屬及研究者有機會挖掘出以前被隱藏起來了的故事。
麻州猶太裔議員們。（周菊子攝）
奚莉政府（Healey -Driscoll Aministration）稱這項法案得以制定，歸功於州政府行政部門、州議會，以及殘障權利倡議者的長期合作。這也是一項重要的民權法案，支持殘障弱勢群體的權益。
 |
| 麻州州務卿William Galvin透露，明年的麻州大選，公投議題可能多達11個。 （周菊子攝） |
在19世紀末至20世紀中葉，主流醫學和社會觀點認為，有智力障礙，或稱弱智，有發育障礙，或甚至自閉症，以及有心理健康問題的人，無法融入社會，甚至威脅社會的正常發展，有如社會的負擔，因而當年的“治療”，往往不是心理諮商，而是使用束縛衣，施打鎮靜劑，給予極端懲罰等方式來控制這些人的行為。
麻州的Fernald學校，這原名「麻州弱智學校」，收容弱智，以及智力正常但貧窮，或被遺棄者的美國最古老公立智障機構，曾發生過給兒童餵食含放射性物質麥片，做不人道的醫療實驗。Belchertown州立學校曾因環境惡劣，虐待醜聞頻傳，在1970年代引發著名的集體訴訟。
由於這些機構收容的人，有包括兒童的許多人，是非自願地被送進去，而且一旦被送進去，很可能就在那兒度過餘生，無法離開，期間遭受身體虐待，性虐待，生活環境還極度不衛生，一旦死亡，往往草草埋葬，只有編號，沒有姓名，推動法案者因而強調麻州應正視這段黑暗歷史，要恢復逝者身份。
有批評者稱，記錄要等75年才能公開，相關人士可能早已作古，這法案到底是在保護機構，還是保護一般民眾，直得商榷。
Massachusetts Opens State Institution Records to Public, Confronting a "Dark History" of Mental Health Care
BOSTON — Following the signing of landmark legislation by Governor Maura Healey on November 25, Massachusetts has enacted a new law mandates that records from state institutions dating back more than 75 years must be made available to the public. The administration celebrated the move at a ceremonial signing in the Governor's Council Chamber on December 17.
The legislation allows families of former patients to access long-sealed records and enables scholars to investigate a complex and often painful chapter of the Commonwealth’s history regarding developmental health and behavioral treatment.
Restoring Dignity and Unlocking History The new statute, which aligns with recommendations from the Special Commission on State Institutions, received strong support from legislative leaders, including Senator Michael Barrett, Representative Sean Garballey, and Representative Mindy Domb.
Effective immediately, at least 25 facilities—many now closed—must release records for individuals whose documents are over 75 years old or who have been deceased for more than 50 years.
"While we cannot change what happened in the past, we are doing our best today to give families the dignity they deserve," said Governor Healey. She emphasized that access to these records allows families to reclaim their history and enables researchers to tell the full stories of those impacted. "I am grateful to those who have advocated for this change for so long and shared their personal stories, as well as to the legislators for their unwavering support."
Confronting a "Dark History" Senate President Karen Spilka and Senator Michael Barrett highlighted the profound social and historical significance of the bill. They noted that the law confronts a "dark history" in Massachusetts, where the treatment of vulnerable populations was often hidden. The legislation serves as a critical civil rights victory, granting families the "right to know" and bringing the stories of the marginalized out of the shadows.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration credited the bill's passage to years of collaboration between the executive branch, the Legislature, and disability rights advocates.
A Legacy of Mistreatment The law covers state schools, hospitals, and nursing facilities that operated during an era—spanning the late 19th to mid-20th century—when mainstream medical and social views often deemed individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, or mental health issues as threats to society or burdens.
During this period, "treatment" frequently focused on control rather than care, utilizing straitjackets, heavy sedation, and extreme punishment. Many individuals, including children, were institutionalized involuntarily and spent the remainder of their lives in confinement. Reports of physical and sexual abuse, along with unsanitary living conditions, were widespread. Upon death, many were buried in graves marked only by numbers, stripping them of their names and identities.
Specific instances of abuse underscore the need for transparency:
The Fernald School: Originally named the "Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded," it was the oldest publicly funded institution of its kind in the U.S. It is notorious for past inhumane practices, including conducting medical experiments where children were fed oatmeal containing radioactive isotopes.
Belchertown State School: In the 1970s, this facility became the subject of a landmark class-action lawsuit due to its squalid conditions and systemic abuse.
Ongoing Debate While the legislation is hailed as a step forward for transparency, it is not without critics. Some advocates argue that the 75-year waiting period remains excessive. Critics question whether the lengthy restriction—during which time many relevant parties will have passed away—is intended to protect the privacy of the patients or to shield the institutions from scrutiny.
沒有留言:
發佈留言