Tubal ligation question?!
Question: I'm absolutely certain that I want to have a tubal ligation. I never want children of my own, and if in some alternate universe I change my mind, adoption would be better for society, anyway. My age (19) stands in the way of this, however, as most doctors refuse to do the procedure at this age.
My question is: How should I approach the doctor to better my chances of having him or her consent? I'm of sound mind and never want children; how can I convince the doctor of this?
Answers: I'm absolutely certain that I want to have a tubal ligation. I never want children of my own, and if in some alternate universe I change my mind, adoption would be better for society, anyway. My age (19) stands in the way of this, however, as most doctors refuse to do the procedure at this age.
My question is: How should I approach the doctor to better my chances of having him or her consent? I'm of sound mind and never want children; how can I convince the doctor of this?
Sadly, society is still inherently sexist when it comes to reproductive choices.
I can, right now, choose to go out and have two or three kids and might be commended for it.
But wanting to tie my tubes? I'm patted on the head and told "wait until you're older, you'll probably change your mind."
I will tell you right now that it is very difficult to get a tubal ligation under the age of 25. But I do know of women (mostly spoke with them online) who have been sterilized at age 20/21.
There actually are no *legal* requirements for a tubal ligation other than you being the age of consent (18) to sign a contract.
Most of what you hear ("must be 25 and have 2 kids" or "must be 30 and have 3 kids") are arbitrary milestones made up by the medical practitioners.
I would suggest...you look up anything and everything on all birth control and sterilization procedures. List the pros and the cons. Find statistics on women under 30 who have no children and are sterilized -- they actually have the lowest rate of regret. (It's women under 30 who have one or more children and then a tubal who are more likely to regret their sterilization.)
Sit down with your doctor and discuss the pros and cons of each birth control calmly and rationally. Tell her why you feel the way you do. Tell her you are as sure as anyone can ever be when it comes to reproductive choices. If it comes to it, as her "if I came in here today telling you I wanted to conceive a child, what would you say to me?"
Tell your doctor to make a note in your medical chart. Every time you visit your doctor tell them again that you want a tubal and ask them to put a note in your chart. Build a history. They'll have a harder time casting your desires in doubt if you've been calm and consistent throughout the time you've been with them.
http://community.livejournal.c...
You may be able to find some resources in that community. Also, some of the childfree sites on the web may be able to point you in that direction.
http://childfree.net
http://www.childfreebychoice.c... Report It
* You must be logged into Answers to add comments. Sign in or Register.