Eliminating forced, coercive and otherwise involuntary sterilization

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Eliminating forced, coercive and otherwise involuntary sterilization

December 4, 2015

This statement aims to contribute to the elimination of forced, coercive and otherwise involuntary sterilization. It reaffirms that sterilization as a method of contraception and family planning should be available, accessible, acceptable, of good quality, and free from discrimination, coercion and violence, and that laws, regulations, policies and practices should ensure that the provision of procedures resulting in sterilization is based on the full, free and informed decision-making of the person concerned. It highlights guiding principles for the
prevention and elimination of coercive sterilization and provides recommendations for legal, policy and service-delivery actions. It is based on scientific evidence, draws on lessons learnt from historical and contemporary practices, and is anchored in international human rights norms and standards.
The statement uses the terms “involuntary”, “coercive” and “forced” depending on the context and in line with how human rights, professional and ethical bodies have described specific
practices.