Tubal ligation searches online have soared since Roe v. Wade was overturned. But getting one isn't necessarily easy. (Illustration: Getty Images)
L.A.-resident Ilana (who asked that her last name be withheld), never wanted kids, "even thinking back to when I was a kid," the 29-year-old, who recently had a tubal ligation, tells Yahoo Life.
She shares that she values her career "very much, and I know for a fact I can't do both." But more than that, Ilana says, "I also just....don't want to be pregnant. When I tell people this, sometimes they get confused or uncomfortable because I'm a woman in my late 20s and they just assume that's the next step for me. I would much prefer having a childfree household and my dog. I'm happy this way."
Ilana had a tubal ligation, aka female sterilization, procedure earlier this month a permanent and highly-effective form of birth control in which the fallopian tubes are cut, tied or blocked, according to the Mayo Clinic, or in some cases removed entirely (called a salpingectomy). Ilana is far from alone. Many women across the country are either looking into or are getting tubal ligation to prevent pregnancy, in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned.
Female sterilization is already the most common contraceptive method used, with 18.6% of women aged 15 to 49 relying on it to prevent pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, since the Supreme Court ruling, the number of women searching for information on tubal ligation has exponentially soared.
Christa Philippeaux, 31, wants to have a tubal ligation, saying that "motherhood is absolutely not for me." (Photo courtesy of Christa Philippeaux)
Ilana shares that Roe being overturned was "absolutely" a factor in moving forward with getting an appointment for the procedure. "The leaked documents are what triggered me to make a consultation," she says. "I've been thinking about this procedure for a few years but kept putting it off. I thought my health care options as a woman were pretty open in this day and age, but I'm quickly learning that things can change at any moment."
Like Ilana, 31-year-old Christa Philippeaux tells Yahoo Life that she never wanted to have kids. "It's just not something I desire," the L.A. resident says. "It's incredibly annoying when people used to tell me that I would magically change my mind as I got older or that I'll regret it when I'm old because I wouldn't have anyone to take care of me. I think that's an awful reason to have children for the sole fact that I could end up lonely. I've even been called selfish but honestly, nothing is more selfish than having children for the pure fact of not being lonely when I'm elderly."
Story continues
She adds: "Motherhood is absolutely not for me."
Since Roe was overturned, Philippeaux says that she's become "fearful" of an unintended pregnancy. "I was always a little worried that one day I would become pregnant but always knew I would immediately get an abortion," she shares. Despite living in California where abortion care is legal, Philippeaux says, "Now that it's forbidden for a lot of women, I'm afraid that one day it would become my reality. I would grow so depressed if I were forced into motherhood."
Getting a doctor to agree to perform a tubal ligation, however, can be challenging for some. There are countless stories online of women sharing that they were rebuffed by their physicians after asking for the procedure many of them hearing similar refrains from doctors: "What if you change your mind and decide you want children?" and "What if you meet someone who wants kids?"
TikToker Olivia Downs, who is 22 and lives in Mass., went viral after she posted on her TikTok in June that her doctor denied her request to get her tubes tied. In the video, she shared, "I never want children." Downs said her doctor told her the procedure is permanent and that she might "meet Mr. Right" and change her mind.
Philippeaux has struggled to get a tubal ligation as well. She says she spoke with three different doctors over the years about having the procedure, but still hasn't found a provider willing to do it. "I simply do not want to jump through hoops to get my tubes tied," she says. "They're my tubes! I shouldn't have to beg for it! I'm angry about it because it is absolutely ridiculous."
While Philippeaux admits she should "push" for a tubal ligation again, she says, "I'm just so tired of rejection." She shares that her husband doesn't want to have kids either, but says he is "super against me having a tubal ligation because it's 'a big procedure,'" adding: "But if I could get it tomorrow I would!"
One Twitter user, a mom who lives in Seattle, recently shared that she was also refused a tubal ligation because of her age and was told by the doctor, "What if my husband wants more kids?"
Along with a woman's age, marital status and whether or not she's had children already, some doctors point to the fact that sterilization is permanent when dismissing patients. But that's exactly why those women are choosing it. "Fewer than 1 in 100 women get pregnant within one year of having this type of surgery," Dr. Nicolle Mitchell, an ob-gyn with Keck Medicine of USC, tells Yahoo Life. "Medical literature is also revealing that removing fallopian tubes may help reduce a patient's risk of ovarian cancer, as ovarian cancer cells stem from the ends of the fallopian tubes. So this procedure is offered with prophylactic benefit as well."
But why do some doctors push back in the first place? "In many areas of the country and world, there is a history of coerced or forced sterilizations performed on women," says Mitchell. "Thus, much effort has been made to help prevent patients undergoing unwanted sterilization."
Another reason is that "other providers cite studies where patients under 30 years old have higher regret later in life after sterilization," notes Mitchell.
Dr. Jessica Kiley, chief of general obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern Medicine, previously told Yahoo Life that it's possible female sterilization may be less effective if performed at younger ages. "Since the likelihood of failure continues over time we call this the 'cumulative' failure rate younger individuals have a higher likelihood of failure in their lifetimes," she said.
Tubal ligation, while safe, also carries more risks than vasectomy. "Vasectomy can be performed in an outpatient setting versus tubal sterilization that usually requires general anesthesia in an operating room," explains Mitchell, who notes that tubal sterilization is typically covered by insurance. "Blood loss, recovery and overall risks are less with vasectomy when compared to tubal sterilization. Important to note, vasectomy requires two to four months of birth control until semen is completely free from sperm; tubal sterilization is immediately effective."
However, adds Mitchell, "sterilization should be a decision made between a patient and provider, free of bias and judgment."
For Philippeaux, being dismissed by multiple doctors and feeling like she has to "fight" to get a tubal ligation is frustrating. "Women shouldn't have to beg to do anything with their bodies," she says. "It's ludicrous! They don't want us to have abortions, well then make this procedure more accessible." She adds: "Parenthood simply is not the best option for some people."
Ilana agrees, saying: "I think women and other groups who have uteruses and can bear children absolutely deserve this access whenever they want it and wherever they want it. Nobody knows what you want more than you, and it's an incredibly personal decision. Denying access to this kind of care is abuse, to put it bluntly. We deserve choices about what happens to us."
After having her tubal ligation, Ilana shares that she feels "amazing." While the recovery is "a bit uncomfortable," she says thats countered by a sense of "comfort and huge relief in the fact that I will never become pregnant 100% worth the temporary discomfort."
Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here.
Read more here:
- I'm childfree by choice after growing up scared of the idea of being a mum having kids is a selfish choice. - Yahoo Lifestyle UK - January 20th, 2024 [January 20th, 2024]
- 'Why my decision to be childfree might just be the most eco-conscious choice of all' - 9Honey - January 20th, 2024 [January 20th, 2024]
- I'm unmarried, childfree and it ruins Christmas - inews - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- BBC Motherland cast now - Hollywood fame, childfree vow and husband's shock death - The Mirror - December 22nd, 2023 [December 22nd, 2023]
- Dear Prudence: My boyfriend's family tried to starve me. - Slate - September 13th, 2023 [September 13th, 2023]
- Round the Fire: A Love You Cant Defeat - Louisville Eccentric Observer (LEO Weekly) - May 30th, 2023 [May 30th, 2023]
- 'Why Don't You Want Kids?' 'Because Apocalypse!' | WIRED - January 22nd, 2023 [January 22nd, 2023]
- Whether youre childless or childfree, you shouldnt have to talk ... - January 22nd, 2023 [January 22nd, 2023]
- Reddit's Childfree Community Has a Parent-Shaming Problem - The Daily Dot - January 22nd, 2023 [January 22nd, 2023]
- Childfree: Why these couples are choosing not to have children - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- People Are Loving How This Childfree Woman Clapped Back At "Friend ... - December 21st, 2022 [December 21st, 2022]
- Daemen University to Host Free Screening of Childfree by Choice Film - November 23rd, 2022 [November 23rd, 2022]
- Childfree People Are Sharing What It's Actually Like To Get Older Without Kids In The Picture, And Their Honesty Is So Refreshing - BuzzFeed - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- 'Special Treatment': New Mom Dragged for Bringing Baby to Childfree Wedding - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- The Reason Miley Cyrus Doesn't Want To Have Kids - msnNOW - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Why a safari holiday was the best way to say goodbye to our childfree life - The Telegraph - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Single and Not Ready to Mingle: The Discrimination Against Single Women in Singapore | Opinion - Newsweek - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Woman divorcing husband because he calls her sister 'his wife' - indy100 - October 8th, 2022 [October 8th, 2022]
- Woman Gives Up Career to Have Kids, On 3rd Wedding Anniversary Turns Out Her Husband Is Childfree Story of the Day - AmoMama - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Woman Kicking Out Brother's Girlfriend and Kid for Lack of 'Respect' Backed - Newsweek - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Guy Reveals He's Afraid To Have Kids In Today's Economy, People Chime In With Personal Stories - Bored Panda - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- 15 Awesome Reasons To Be Childfree By Choice - Bonobology.com - September 20th, 2022 [September 20th, 2022]
- Verena Brunschweigers Do Childfree People Have Better Sex? Is A Lot ... - September 20th, 2022 [September 20th, 2022]
- r/childfree - "...and most importantly, a mom." -NASA astronaut ... - September 20th, 2022 [September 20th, 2022]
- 50 Parents Get Raw And Honest About What They Regret About Having Kids - Bored Panda - September 20th, 2022 [September 20th, 2022]
- Nearly 40% of Americans Think $500K Is Enough To Retire -- Are They Wrong? - GOBankingRates - September 20th, 2022 [September 20th, 2022]
- I really need some hand holding. I'm a beginner and need help with budgeting and investing. Whats my first step? - MarketWatch - September 20th, 2022 [September 20th, 2022]
- doctors - childfree - reddit - September 15th, 2022 [September 15th, 2022]
- INTERNATIONAL CHILDFREE DAY - August 1, 2023 - National Today - September 15th, 2022 [September 15th, 2022]
- Childfree Woman Wonders If She's A Jerk For Refusing To Help Out ... - September 15th, 2022 [September 15th, 2022]
- Tubal Ligation and Vasectomy: Everything You Should Know - theSkimm - September 15th, 2022 [September 15th, 2022]
- Mother Freaks Out After Finding Out How Much Her Childfree Cousin Spent On A Vacation, Calls Her 'Disgusting' - Bored Panda - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Woman Who Unpopularly Decided To Never Have Children Reflects On It Now That She's 85 Years Old - Bored Panda - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Guy Comes Up With A Brilliant Plan To Intentionally Drink Before Family Gatherings To Dodge Babysitting Duties Which Usually Fall On Him - Bored Panda - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Someone Wonders What's The Most Ridiculous Reason Your Child Had A Meltdown? And 50 Parents Give Hilarious Answers - Bored Panda - September 3rd, 2022 [September 3rd, 2022]
- Children? More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults dont want them - Marin Independent Journal - August 23rd, 2022 [August 23rd, 2022]
- People Who Decided Not To Have Kids Share How Their Lives Turned Out (30 Posts) - Bored Panda - August 23rd, 2022 [August 23rd, 2022]
- Pros and Cons: Why You May (or May Not) Want To Rent Out Your Space - GOBankingRates - August 23rd, 2022 [August 23rd, 2022]
- Buyers and Sellers Have Retreated From The Housing Market For Now, Advisors Say - Financial Advisor Magazine - August 23rd, 2022 [August 23rd, 2022]
- It's Time To End Stressful Partings, Home Pet Euthanasia Is Here - PRUnderground - August 23rd, 2022 [August 23rd, 2022]
- Living a 'childfree' life: 1 in 5 adults don't want to have kids - Study Finds - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- The Childfree Effigy: On Network's Diana and the Tropes That Betray Women - Literary Hub - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- 'I'm a Mother of Three, But I Never Wanted Children' - Newsweek - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- Disregard for human life and sexual responsibility is at the core of the pro-abortion movement - Washington Examiner - July 29th, 2022 [July 29th, 2022]
- I grew up in a narcissistic family. I'm not having kids because I want the cycle to end - Salon - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- Woman Divorces Her Husband Because He Suddenly Has A Child, Gets Called The Jerk - Bored Panda - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- For respectful, encouraging, positive discussion about childfree lifestyle - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- What Is a Breeding Kink? How Unprotected Sex Became a Turn-On - VICE UK - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- Expert Investing Tips: Where To Start When Buying Stocks for the First Time - GOBankingRates - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- Permanent Birth Control Is in Demand in the U.S.But Hard to Get - Yahoo Life - July 11th, 2022 [July 11th, 2022]
- 12 People Reveal The Things That Costs More For Women Than Men - ScoopWhoop - July 4th, 2022 [July 4th, 2022]
- Am I The Jerk For Bringing My Baby To A Child-Free Wedding? - July 3rd, 2022 [July 3rd, 2022]
- Responding to the Roe Rollback - Wealth Management - June 30th, 2022 [June 30th, 2022]
- The Economics of Abortion in a Post-Roe World - The Dispatch - June 22nd, 2022 [June 22nd, 2022]
- Susan Said She Hopes I Get Hit By A Car?: Discussion Ensues After Woman Shares How Being The Only Single Childless Person At Work Is Wild - Bored... - June 20th, 2022 [June 20th, 2022]
- What's a DINK? Here's what its like to be a couple that revels in having 'dual income, no kids' - Yahoo Philippines News - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Back In High School, Her Boyfriend Gave Up 2 Children For Adoption But He Kept This A Secret From Her - Chip Chick - May 31st, 2022 [May 31st, 2022]
- "Am I Wrong For Not Attending My Daughter's Gender Reveal For Her ... - May 25th, 2022 [May 25th, 2022]
- Childfree Humor: 35 Jokes And Memes By People Who Don't Regret Their Childfree Lifestyle - Bored Panda - May 25th, 2022 [May 25th, 2022]
- Dog Mom Vents About Being Excluded From Mother's Day Outing, Throws A Tantrum When Friend Tries To Explain That It's Not The Same As Having Children -... - May 25th, 2022 [May 25th, 2022]
- Comic Artist Captures the Daily Pressures of What It's Like To Be a Woman Today - My Modern Met - May 25th, 2022 [May 25th, 2022]
- Vicki Larson: Its time to get creative about what affordable housing means - Marin Independent Journal - May 25th, 2022 [May 25th, 2022]
- Motherhood isn't contingent on a romantic relationship. So why do we still treat it that way? - WBUR News - May 17th, 2022 [May 17th, 2022]
- Addressing the Global Stigma of Being Childfree - New Security Beat - May 15th, 2022 [May 15th, 2022]
- What if your future husband wants kids? One womans struggle to be sterilized at 24 - Yahoo News - May 15th, 2022 [May 15th, 2022]
- Portraits of Childfree Wealth by Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP ... - May 7th, 2022 [May 7th, 2022]
- The Family - Noba - May 7th, 2022 [May 7th, 2022]
- Brighton and Hove News Eleanor Conway: Talk Dirty To Me - Brighton and Hove News - May 7th, 2022 [May 7th, 2022]
- Mothers Explain Why They Regret Having Kids In 30 Honest Posts - Bored Panda - May 7th, 2022 [May 7th, 2022]
- More women are saying no to motherhood more than ever - WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit - April 29th, 2022 [April 29th, 2022]
- It's Time For The Best Parenting Tweets Of The Month, And Here Are 35 That Might Crack You Up - Bored Panda - April 29th, 2022 [April 29th, 2022]
- The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves - Freethought Blogs - April 29th, 2022 [April 29th, 2022]
- This Dad Says Motherhood Has Changed His Wife for the Worse & Its Striking a Chord On Reddit - SheKnows - March 23rd, 2022 [March 23rd, 2022]
- Jessie Gurunathan: Stop asking me why I don't have kids - New Zealand Herald - March 23rd, 2022 [March 23rd, 2022]
- Pope Francis comments on parenthood are nothing new for ... - March 11th, 2022 [March 11th, 2022]
- Fighting Abortion Now Requires Fighting Increasing Hatred Of Children - The Federalist - March 8th, 2022 [March 8th, 2022]
- Parent-Of-2 Refuses To Attend Sister's Childfree Wedding ... - February 28th, 2022 [February 28th, 2022]
- Lovers of sunshine and attention: Meet the dairy goats at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - Colorado Springs Gazette - February 28th, 2022 [February 28th, 2022]
- Mum perplexed as pal bans her from birthday party - after planning a trip away - The Mirror - February 28th, 2022 [February 28th, 2022]
- Family structure in the United States - Wikipedia - February 21st, 2022 [February 21st, 2022]