Book excerpt: When Hitler came to power in 1933, he labeled physically and mentally handicapped citizens as dangerous to the genetic health of the German people. He initiated a compulsory sterilization program that eventually blocked 400,000 citizens from enjoying any normal family life. With the onset of war in 1939, he decided that resources should be reserved for healthy, worthwhile citizens who could work for victory. He then ordered a secret program to kill the handicapped. Approximately 250,000 citizens had died when the war finally ended. Readers in medicine, law, sociology and history will be intrigued by this compelling story of the brave citizens who spoke out against the immoral killing of the disabled. Many were arrested and imprisoned; some were executed. All the protesters claimed that the disabled were not “ballast people.” They were people who deserved opportunities to contribute what they could for the good of the community.