Editing Sterilization (medicine) (section)

=== Barriers to Elective Sterilization ===
Individuals who desire to undergo elective sterilization may face barriers to accessing these procedures. In the [[United States]], there has been a growing demand for sterilization procedures, especially among women.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |title=More people are opting to get sterilized — and some are being turned away |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/29/1113573995/more-people-are-opting-to-get-sterilized-and-some-are-being-turned-away |access-date=2025-02-27 |work=NPR |language=en}}</ref> This is thought to be at least partially due to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' in 2022, leaving the fate of abortion rights uncertain.<ref name=":3" /> However, due to skepticism from medical providers, cost, and insurance issues, many individuals desiring sterilization have been denied or prevented from undergoing the procedures.<ref name=":3" /> Patients of childbearing age without children report difficulty in finding physicians who are willing to perform sterilizations.<ref name=":3" /> In the [[United States]], insurance companies differ in the extent to which they cover sterilization procedures. Under the [[Affordable Care Act]], [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]]-approved female sterilization procedures are covered when prescribed by a physician.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Birth control benefits and reproductive health care options in the Health Insurance Marketplace® |url=https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/birth-control-benefits/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=HealthCare.gov |language=en}}</ref> However, male reproductive procedures, like [[Vasectomy|vasectomies]], are not required to be covered.<ref name=":4" /> These differing levels of coverage may create cost barriers, preventing some individuals desiring sterilization procedures from accessing them. 

In the [[United States]], men also encounter barriers when seeking elective sterilization procedures, particularly vasectomies. Despite being a safe and effective form of birth control, the U.S. has the lowest [[vasectomy]] rate among wealthy nations.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=twkett@bu.edu |date=2022-08-31 |title=Do Men Face Barriers to Birth Control? |url=https://publichealthpost.org/sexual-reproductive-health/vasectomy-barriers/ |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Public Health Post |language=en-US}}</ref> This can be attributed to both cultural attitudes and structural obstacles within the healthcare system. Misinformation continues to surround the procedure, such as the misconception that a vasectomy undermines masculinity, contributing to hesitation and stigma.<ref name=":6" /> At the same time, systemic barriers further limit access. Insurance limitations and provider attitudes often restrict who can undergo the procedure. Because vasectomies are not covered under the [[Affordable Care Act|Affordable Care Act (ACA)]], men may face out-of-pocket costs of up to $1,000.<ref name=":6" /> Additionally, while any man over 18 is legally eligible, some providers refuse to perform the procedure on younger patients or those without children, creating another barrier for those seeking sterilization.<ref name=":6" />