Sterilization in Australia.

It was not until 1971 that the ethical right to voluntary sterilization was legally recognized in Australia. Prospective vasectomy clients at the Family Planning Association of New South Wales are counseled individually before operations are carried out. Female sterilizations are not performed but counseling and referrals are offered when requested. The Association may be offering outpatient tubal ligation (minilap) procedures in the near future. An estimated 60,000 and 75,000 female and male sterilizations are respectively performed each year in Australia. Studies show that sterilization is fast becoming the major method of contraception chosen by couples once the desired family size has been achieved. In addition, an increasing number of young people in their 20's with or without completed family size are opting for sterilization, including a growing proportion of couples who are choosing to remain childless. Tables on medical benefits schedule and estimated incidence of urological/gynecological procedures performed in Australia from 1976 to 1978 are provided.