Two thousand voluntary vasectomies performed in California: background factors and comments.

Abstract

Opposing points of view which have a bearing on individual action relative to voluntary male sterilization are discussed, and data from the files of a California surgeon which provide some indication of interest in voluntary vasectomy in a limited area of the state are presented. The medical associations tend to place emphasis on the legal aspects of such surgery while the Human Betterment Association of America (HBAA) is more concerned with the humanitarian aspects. Data on 2007 patients who underwent vasectomy operations are given. In each instance, the patient's wife was asked to sign a release indicating agreement that surgery be performed; there were no other requirements or complications. The surgeon reported that there have been no cases of serious complications following the operation, nor has he encountered a single court action or been threatened by court action. The number of cases increased from 1956 to 1961. The mean age of the men at the time they had the vasectomy was 31.8 years. 66.2% of the sample reported having 3 or fewer children. Not only were men pleased with the result of the operation but they talked about its advantages freely and attempted, often with success, to convince others to have it done. The men came several hundred miles to have the operation in some cases. In 85.6% of the cases, there was no medical problem stated as a reason for requesting vasectomy.