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From Eugenic Euthanasia to Habilitation of ``Disabled'' Children: Andreas Rett's Contribution

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada, roneng{at}mcmaster.ca

Brandon Meaney, MD

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada

Bernard Dan, MD, PhD

Department of Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium

Fritz Zimprich, MD, PhD

Department of Clinical Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria

Walter Stögmann, MD

Gottfried from Preyer's Children's Hospital, Vienna, Austria

Wolfgang Neugebauer, PhD

Documentation Archives of the Austrian Resistance (DOEW), Vienna, Austria

Although the name of Andreas Rett is familiar to many from his eponymous neurogenetic syndrome, his other achievements involving the care of disabled children deserve special attention. His tireless advocacy helped to bring fundamental changes in the medical and societal attitude toward disabled individuals in a city that had recently seen more than 7500 disabled children and inmates of psychiatric hospitals actively euthanized by National Socialist (Nazi) decree. Most notably, this study demonstrates the remarkable changes that can be achieved single-handedly by a vocal and energetic physician. Yet at the same time, several instances are recorded in which Rett appeared to prioritize his own professional advancement at the expense of truthful disclosure of his own past, as well as that of some of his close associates. Dr Rett's professional life and contributions, now 10 years after his death, presents a compelling object lesson for neurologists and others involved in the care of the disabled.

Key Words: eugenics • forced sterilization • euthanasia • Nazi • disability • rehabilitation • Rett syndrome

Journal of Child Neurology, Vol. 24, No. 1, 115-127 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0883073808321763


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