What are the laws about getting "fixed" as a woman?

Question

I'm 19 and never want children. I hate children, and I know I could never be a good mother. There are to many issues in my familiy. I want to have a permanent operation so that I never could even have the chance of getting pregnant, because if I did I would get an abortion or give it up for adoption and I never want to face those decisions. My mother told me that a while ago, women were not allowed to have that kind of operation before she had a least one child. This seems unfair since men can.
What are the laws in the US about that sort of thing? Is it my right to demand it? How would society view a woman who hates/dosen't want children?

Answer 1

A hysterectomy is the removal of a woman's uterus and this is usually only done in cases of cancer or for serious medical reasons. (For the first person answering, not so much for you).

What you may want is a tubal litigation also known as getting your tubes tied. While you could ask a doctor about it, I doubt one would give it to you initially. It is usually done on women who decide they are done having kids. Maybe he would consider if you still wanted it after a few years, but you might change your mind in 10 to 15 years.
There is also Essure which is another form of permanent birth control that is non - surgical.
They have a website: www.essure.com

You may also want to consider a long term non-hormonal birth control like a IUD which has been tested to successfully last up to 10 years (but my doctor says that from a logical standpoint it should be able to last as long as you want it to, it's only been tested for 10 years at the most)
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/iudinfo.htm

I wish you luck.

Answer 2

First of all, your mother is totally wrong, and she probably knows it. It sounds like she is hoping you will reconsider. You can't blame her, she just wants what's best for you. To me it sounds like you have had bad experiences as a child or with other children. Acknowledging this is a very mature and responsible thing to do, especially at so young an age.

It is your right to have it done if you so choose. The procedure is called a tubal ligation. Most insurance companies cover it. And if you don't have insurance, most hospitals have a financial help program that will allow you to pay over time.

As for society's point of view, screw them. I have never paid attention to what "Society" thinks, because it is generally a "holier than thou" attitude. No one can live up to "Society's" point of view really. The reason is basically, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. If you have a tubal ligation, then you're a bad person because you hate children. If you have children out of some feeling of obligation, then you are irresponsible.
The way I see it is this: You know you don't want children, for whatever reason. Permanent surgery is a big step to take at so young an age. If you are absolutely sure that you never want children, then go forward with it. If you're not 100% sure, wait a while to give yourself some time to think it over. Then, if you still feel the same way, do it. You will be happier and feel better knowing that you have taken the responsibility for yourself. And in the end, that's what really matters.

Answer 3

Female Getting Fixed

Answer 4

That is a very mature decision you have made. You don't have to have a hysterectomy to do this. You could have a tubal liagation done which is very common for women who don't want to have any(more) kids. I know this isn't permanent (only in the sense that you can have it reversed later down the road if you chose but even if you did, it would still be difficult to concieve) and there is still a small chance you could still get pregnant after that (the chance of that is very slim). It is however much less evasive than say a hysterectomy. At 19 years of age you will be hard pressed to find a doctor to do the tubal but it will be even harder to find a good doctor to do a hysterectomy. If you explain to the doctor your reasons for wanting this procedure done, you may be able to convince them to do the tubal.
I think you are being responsible and I applaud you for your effort to protect any unborn children of yours. Just be realistic about your expectations and always use protection for std purposes. Protect your health- use condoms.

Answer 5

Goddess has it right, go for getting your tubes tied. If you had a hystorectomy you will have a nasty scar and probably screw up your hormones. On the plus side, twenty years from now, if you do change your mind about having kids then you can always have the option of having the operation reversed or having your eggs taken out and being fertilized in a lab. It'll be easier to find a doc who'll tie your tubes too.

Answer 6

If Federal money is used to fund the BTL, the required form must be signed 30-180 days prior to the surgery. Furthermore, this consent cannot be obtained if the patients is younger than 21 yrs, in labor, under the influence of drugs or alchol, mentally incompetent, or having an abortion.

Some places require you to be 25 and/or have 2 children prior.

Answer 7

I don't know what kind of surgery you are talking about, there are two types of sugeries that prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. One is tubal ligation, nowadays it's not as difficult to get one as it was when I was of child bearing years, I suggest you discuss the possibility with your doctor. The other is a hyesterectomy but in order to have one of those you have to have had a history of problems with your reproductive organs to be considered for this surgery as it is surgically induced menopause. I doubt very much that a doctor would even discuss this possiblity with you at your age.

Answer 8

As far as I know it is not a law.

However I have a male friend and he had to wait 5 years and undergo psychological testing more than once to get a vasectomy. He started the process when he was 18.

Answer 9

No ethical doctor will perform a hystorectomy (sp?) on a woman who has not had children without her seeing a psychiatrist first.
The operation is PERMANENT, and cannot be undone. The doctor would not want you coming back years later and suing him.

Answer 10

wow, well your mom is wrong but i suggest going on birth control for a few years before making such a decision , I think a doctor would say the same, It sounds like you should see a counselor about your feelings and why they are so strong, i know lots of people who do not want children but hate is a very strong word don't you think