An Israeli government minister has admitted the practice of covertly injecting female Ethiopian immigrants with a birth control drug known as Depo-Provera.
The issue was first brought to light almost five years ago. However, there had been no official acknowledgement until a letter in response to the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, written by the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Professor Ron Gamzu, was published yesterday.
Professor Ron Gamzu's letter instructed four organisations dealing with the health of Ethiopian immigrants to cease administering Depo-Provera immediately.
It added that gynaecologists from the organisations sanctioned by the Health Ministry and currently treating women of Ethiopian origin, should not renew prescriptions for the drug if there was a possibility that the women did not understand "the ramifications of the treatment," and to procure translators from now on if needed.
The issue came to light again after a television investigation broadcast testimony from 35 Ethiopian immigrants to Israel, who said that they had been forced to receive the injection while waiting in transit camps.
The birth rate among Israel's Ethiopian community has declined by 50 percent over the past ten years.
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the Ethiopian Government should give the Falashas land and full freedom to practice their religion and way of life so they can return home.
I agree with you @brokeman2897, except on few points. I agree that they should be protected (as any other minority group in the world and Ethiopia) – and allowed to practice their religion without no fear – although, I don't remember any targeted prosecution against Felasha's in Ethiopia. If they're targeted and prosecuted, it's not just them, but all religions - including Christians and Muslim – in Ethiopia that are prosecuted by Ethiopia's undemocratic regimes. If there's no accountability (democracy), you can rest assure someone - regardless of his/her religion - will be prosecuted. And, unelected leaders (lack of democracy) are the core issue on Freedom and liberty in Ethiopia (not a practice of Judaism, or Islam, etc.). On the part where you asked the government should give the Felasha's their own land?!?!... I don't think they should get any special treatment - as this will inspire resentment from other religious groups. But, as for special protection for religious and other minorities - they sure deserve to get that protection from the government.