Female sterilization: free choice and oppression

Abstract

Female sterilization has increased extraordinarily in the last few years in Brazil. In some Northeastern States, it is already the most common contraceptive method used, as it is provided by state and municipal hospitals and National Institute of Medical and Social Welfare. In spite of a large number of abuses, when women are sterilized without their informed consent, it is likely that a large proportion of sterilizations are actively sought by clients. However, this happens in response to a series of options which the women, as individuals, are powerless to change. These options arise from social determinative factors such as: the disavantages of the woman's position in the family and in the labor market, the patriarchal culture, commoditization of health and demographic policies.