Editing Sterilization (medicine) (section)

===Incentivizing===
Some governments in the world have offered and continue to provide economic incentives to use [[birth control]], including sterilization.  In countries with high population growth and not enough resources to sustain a large population, these incentives become more enticing.  Many of these policies are aimed at certain target groups, often disadvantaged and young women (especially in the [[United States]]).<ref name="Providing Subsidies and Incentives">Mauldon, Jane Gilbert. "Providing Subsidies and Incentives for Norplant, Sterilization and Other Contraception: Allowing Economic Theory to Inform Ethical Analysis." ''The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics''. 31.3 (2003): 351–64.</ref>  While these policies are controversial, the ultimate goal is to promote greater social well-being for the whole community.  One of the theories supporting incentivizing or subsidy programs in the United States is that it offers [[contraception]] to citizens who may not be able to afford it.  This can help families prevent unwanted pregnancies and avoid the financial, familial, and personal stresses of having children if they so desire.
Sterilization becomes controversial when considering the degree of a government's involvement in personal decisions.  For instance, some have posited that by offering incentives to receive sterilization, the government may change the decision of the families, rather than just supporting a decision they had already made.  Some critics argue that incentive programs are inherently coercive, making them unethical.<ref name="Providing Subsidies and Incentives"/>  In contrast, proponents argue that as long as potential users of these programs are well-educated about the procedure, taught about alternative methods of contraception, and are able to make voluntary, [[informed consent]], then incentive programs are providing a good service that is available for people to take advantage of.