Tubal ligation Essay Example

Tubal ligation refers to a method of permanent birth control used by women. During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are either tied, cut, or blocked, thereby preventing pregnancy. Due to its permanent nature, tubal ligation has attracted a lot of debate. Some people maintain that women should not be allowed to perform tubal ligation unless they have reached a certain age or have a certain number of children. Another class of people argues that some people argue that young women should also be allowed to choose tubal litigation for themselves if desired. Both arguments are compelling and have strengths and weaknesses. However; women should have this right because of its safety and effectiveness, the private nature of the matter, and the fact that some women do not want children.

Foremost, young women should have the right to choose a tubal ligation if desired because it is safe and highly effective. Studies have indicated that the use of tubal ligation is perfectly safe and 100% effective in the prevention of pregnancy (Swende and Hwande 246).  The current technology allows for tubal ligation for carried out successfully and in a safe way. Regardless, our health care facilities monitor patients very closely for any negative effects insuring them a healthy recovery. Therefore, tubal ligation can be completely relied upon as a safe means of preventing pregnancy on a permanent basis. For this reason, there are no safety concerns that should bar the young women from opting from the procedure if they so desire. Instead, they should be encouraged to go for clinical operations when they desire permanent contraceptive measures. 

Some people argue that women should have the right to choose tubal ligation if desired unless they are a certain age or have several children. Two main reasons are used to support this position. It is argued that in rare cases, fallopian tubes can grow back after a tubal ligation procedure. In such cases, there is usually a risk of pregnancy and an additional risk of an ectopic pregnancy. However, this is a rare occurrence. Also, when all the medical procedures are followed, and conditions are monitored, such a case would not occur. Therefore, it should be used to hinder young women from opting for the procedure. 

The other reason for this denial of right is the possibility of a change in mind. Some women may later in life wish they could have a child or additional children. Therefore, such women may end up regretting the choice to sterilize. However, there is no substantial research to indicate that such numbers are significant if present. Given the gravity of the matter, opinions should not be used to deny people their rights. Not to mention, tubal ligation is a private matter. It is usually a personal choice which type of contraceptive measure one chooses to adopt. For the temporary measures, there are no legal stipulations that have been put in place to prevent young women from using them.

Similarly, there should not be laws denying young women the opportunity of using permanent methods like tubal ligation. When one undergoes the process, they decide to give up their personal capability of being able to bare a child. Therefore, it should be treated like other health procedures. It has been established that informed consent suffices for legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements for healthcare transactions and procedures (Grady 855). Therefore, young women should be denied the right to opt for the procedure. Instead, they should only be required to give their consent before going through the procedure. Also, the consent of their spouses can be required in case one is married. 

Women should have the right to choose tubal ligation should they choose because some women have decided not to have children. With the modern methods of contraception, women can successfully decide whether or not to have children (Sonfield et al., p.1). Women may decide not to have children for several reasons. For example, some women prefer to adopt children rather than give birth. Such women should not be burdened with continual contraceptive measures when there are permanent options that they can go for like tubal ligation. It is unfair that such women must wait until they are at least thirty for them to be legible for this procedure. The legislation should be changed so that young women can choose the procedure if desired. 

There are various points of view pertaining to the right to choose tubal ligation. Women should have the right to choose tubal ligation if desired for three main reasons. The three reasons include the safety and efficiency of the procedure, the personal nature of the matter, and the fact that some women choose not to have children.