Nazi sterilization experiments

In addition to the surgical methods of the earlier parts of the Nazi sterilization program, the Nazi sterilization experiments, conducted between March 1941 andJanuary 1945, explored unproven techniques; they were onducted to develop methods of rapid, large scale sterilization in order to ensure the eventual elimination of "enemy" populations while keeping captive workers as a labor force during the war.

Experiments were planned and/or conducted at Auschwitz, Ravensbrueck, and other concentration camps. They used drugs, X-rays, and surgery, with little concern for safety; X-ray burns were common.

Charged in the Medical Case (NMT) were Viktor Brack, Karl Brandt, Rudolf Brandt, Karl Gebhardt, Joachim Mrugowsky, Herta Oberheuser, Pokorny, and Helmut Poppendick. The charges against Mrugowsky and Oberheuser were withdrawn. Karl Brandt, Pokorny, and Poppendick were acquitted; Brack, Rudolf Brandt, and Gebhardt were convicted.

Carl Clauberg was implicated but not tried; he was later indicted by a German court but died before trial.