Barbara Harris, an ex-IHOP waitress, founded the organization in 1997 after she and her husband adopted four children from a drug-addicted mother. After the experience of helping the children through withdrawal and other health problems, she attempted to have legislation passed in California which would have mandated long-term birth control for mothers who gave birth to drug-addicted babies. After this failed, she opted instead to start what is now called Project Prevention.

Despite the fact that all patients are volunteers, the organization has incited a large amount of controversy. Part of this controversy stems from the way in which the organization advertises itself, including targeting poor and minority neighborhoods and disturbing flyers with slogans such as "DON'T Let a Pregnancy get in the way of your crack habit." In her first interview Barbara Harris also compared pregnant women to dogs that need to be neutered. Also, increasing scientific evidence suggests that crack actually has less effect on unborn babies then either tobacco or alcohol. Further, some have claim that it is a human right to have children that should not be restricted. Critics also make comparisons to the eugenics movement of the early 20th century.

As of July 16, 2006, Project Prevention has paid and treated 1854 women and 27 men.

External links

• Project Prevention Home Page
• Woman On a Mission Eric Gershon,The Hartford Courant, 14 July 2007.
• Selling Sterilisation to Addicts Clare Murphy,BBC News Online, 2 September 2003.
• Deal of a Lifetime Craig Malisow, Houston Press. 27 February 2003.
• CRACK Comes to New York Paroma Basu, Village Voice, 30 October - 5 November 2002.
• Q&A with Barbara Harris Steve Sailer, United Press International, 9 May 2002.
• Leave No Child Behind Brennen Jensen, Baltimore City Paper. 13 March 2002.
• Surgical strike Barry Yeoman, Mother Jones, November/December 2001.