---
title: Dealing With Anti-Youth Bias When Seeking Sterilization
date: 2024-05-19T20:35:00-04:00
author: Missy Moyer
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/dealing-with-anti-youth-bias-when-seeking-sterilization"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Dealing With Anti-Youth Bias When Seeking Sterilization

Regardless of our age, we should be empowered to make choices around our bodies and exercise bodily autonomy. Sometimes, however, healthcare providers can pose roadblocks. Young people who seek to get our tubes tied or have a tubal litigation/tubal removal are often denied the procedure by healthcare providers, who cite our age and the possibility of regret as reasons to deny us the option we want. This article highlights the personal stories of young people, including the author, navigating the barriers to choosing sterilization as a birth control method.

> \[Dr. Wendy K. Leung, an OB-GYN and clinical instructor at Yale School of Medicine\], who maintained that 'age should not be the main deciding factor in this conversation,' said that 'doctors’ most important ethical principle is respecting patient autonomy, which means putting patients’ needs first.' 'I would perform the procedure as long as a woman (of any age) understands the pros and cons of tying her tubes and has thought about other options,' she wrote. 'Women should be presented with accurate medical facts, and physicians should trust that women can make the right decisions for themselves.'

[Read the full article ](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/i-was-21-the-first-time-i-asked-to-have-my-tubes-tied)

SOURCE: TeenVogue • AUTHOR: Liv McConnell • LAST UPDATED: April 19, 2019

![Adobe Stock 513348387 jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception)
- [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access)
- [ageism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/ageism)
- [bodily autonomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bodily-autonomy)
- [sterilization](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sterilization)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## About Birth Control

This interactive page from Planned Parenthood helps you find birth control methods in line with your priorities.

![What's the contraceptive method of your choice?](data:image/png;base64,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)

This interactive page from Planned Parenthood helps you find birth control methods in line with your priorities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/about-birth-control)

[ResourcesRead

## Sterilization for Women and Men

This FAQ from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists addresses common questions about tubal sterilization and vasectomies.

![cottonbro-studio-7585026-2](data:image/png;base64,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)

This FAQ from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists addresses common questions about tubal sterilization and vasectomies.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/sterilization-for-women-and-men)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Infertility

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.

![Elena](data:image/png;base64,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)

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You

AB explains what she would advise about choosing a method of birth control.

![My Story- Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You](data:image/png;base64,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)

AB explains what she would advise about choosing a method of birth control.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-identifying-what-contraception-works-best-for-you)

[ResourcesRead

## About the Intersex Rights Movement

A deep exploration of key intersex rights activism -- struggling against a society that incorrectly assumes sexual anatomy is always binary.

![A hand painted yellow with a purple circle on it, appearing to be the intersex flag](data:image/png;base64,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)

A deep exploration of key intersex rights activism -- struggling against a society that incorrectly assumes sexual anatomy is always binary.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/about-the-intersex-rights-movement)

[ResourcesRead

## Ageism Ignores and Insults the Competence of Adults

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.

![pexels-kampus-production-8422703](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ageism-ignores-and-insults-the-competence-of-adults)

[ResourcesLook

## Black Birthing Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.

![Black Birthing Bill of Rights scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-bill-of-rights)

[ResourcesRead

## Busting Myths about Bodily Autonomy

This helpful article and video from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) breaks down seven common myths about bodily autonomy.

![aiden-frazier-ivf0a5a6pRA-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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)

This helpful article and video from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) breaks down seven common myths about bodily autonomy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/busting-myths-about-bodily-autonomy)