A recent article about a woman denied permanent birth control on the NHS winning a case with the ombudsman (1 May) brought back memories of my own struggle to obtain sterilisation for my husband in the 1990s. We were both in our 30s and had decided we did not want children.
Rather than continuing with the contraceptive pill, we agreed that a vasectomy was the best option. During the hospital consultation, I was utterly flabbergasted when the doctor stated he would not approve the procedure. His reasoning was that my husband might leave me in the future and wish to have children with another woman.
Only after I threatened to file a complaint with the General Medical Council did they reconsider and grant approval. The experience was unpleasant, and I sincerely hope that couples today are not subjected to such outdated and paternalistic views.
Name and address supplied
