Belly of the Beast contains such an atrocity of state-sanctioned abuse against women’s bodies, it could be a horror film. But no, this is a documentary anchored to the real-life experience of Kelli Dillon, who was sterilised without consent while serving time at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).

Dillon is one of thousands (mostly women of colour) whose right to bear children was taken away from them, a choice denied under the insidious twin veil of paternalism and public interest. Let’s outline what happened to her so you can appreciate the degree of violation.

Amar Patel