The choice of sterilization: voluntarily childless couples, mothers of one child by choice, and males seeking reversal of vasectomy

Abstract

SummaryThe voluntarily childless and parents of one child by choice might be expected to make strong use of sterilization. This study examined the reasons given by couples who were early articulators of voluntary childlessness, couples childless through postponement, and mothers of a single child, for selecting or avoiding sterilization. Early articulators were more likely to be sterilized and more often reported difficulties in arranging sterilization than did those who were postponing parenthood. Among the voluntarily childless and mothers of a single child who were not sterilized, respondents cited its finality, aversion to non-essential surgery, and satisfaction with present methods. Clinic data on requests for reversals of previous vasectomies revealed that neither the intentionally childless nor single child parents were over-represented among men seeking reversals.