Slovakia Roma women fight for lost children – level 2

11-09-2025 07:00

In Slovakia, doctors sterilized many Roma women in the 1990s and early 2000s, but the women didn’t know about it. This happened often right after birth.

In Roma culture, having many children is very important, so these women lost something central to their lives. Some women discovered the truth years later, when they tried to have more children. Many also faced shame, sadness, and problems in their families.

Victims and activists are now asking for compensation. Their group in Košice helps women collect medical records, which are proof of what happened. More than 140 women in two areas were affected. The Slovak government said sorry and may pay compensation, but the Slovak people have different opinions. Many Roma women still hope for fairness.

Difficult words: central (very important), shame (a strong negative feeling in front of other people), compensation (money or help to make up for a loss or harm).

You can watch the original video in the Level 3 section.

What documents does the Košice group help women collect to support their compensation claims?

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