Edit: I want to clarify, I hold neither stance as I don’t feel I have enough information on the subject. I’m just looking for viewpoints that I haven’t yet considered.
Original post is as follows:
I had this thought recently and I’d like some external opinions. For those who don’t know, a vasectomy is reversible.
For:
- Unwanted pregnancy is a huge issue for society and a worry for many people. Doing this would solve both problems entirely.
- Female birth control very often causes uncomfortable side effects for the woman, while a vasectomy is a one-and-done deal with a very small chance of failure or future complications.
Against:
- Doing this may violate bodily autonomy, as you are undergoing an optional medical procedure without your knowledge. The same argument can be made about how circumcision is treated in many parts of the world.
- Reversal is expensive and may not always work. A potential rebuttal of this is that if you are in the financial position of being able to raise a child, you will also have the necessary funds to reverse your vasectomy.
I would appreciate all opinions on this!
I also understand this can be a sensitive question, so please be civil in the comments.
That would definitely make humans extinct over time. Or at least law abiding humans whose parents followed the law.
So that would be natural selection in favor of law breakers.
Just to add to the conversation, complications from a vasectomy can be debilitating and life changing. While the likelihood of complications is low, it is far from zero. Conditions like chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome, infections, or sperm granulomas can cause persistent discomfort and interfere with daily activities, impacting one’s overall quality of life. The costs associated with treating these complications, including medical bills and potential loss of income, can be substantial. Furthermore, it’s important to consider that even if the initial vasectomy proceeds without issues, complications and failures can still arise during the reversal process. I have had a half dozen friends opt for this surgery later in life, one (that spoke openly of it) experienced life altering complications due to chronic and severe pain.
No but they shouldn’t make you wait till you’re 40 either, same with tying tubes
The chance of successful vasectomy reversing goes down by like 10% every year (I made that 10% up) but they do go down and I wouldn’t count on it being a guarantee. Also sperm production may be affected or reduced even if you can get it reversed.
If you’re really sure you don’t want kids then sure but I wouldn’t risk it otherwise.
Condoms are a much better solution.
No. Absolutely not. As much as reducing the rate of unwanted pregnancy is important, bodily autonomy is paramount. Instead, there needs to be comprehensive sex education and effective birth control for men that isn’t as invasive as a vasectomy. That way, the burden of ensuring appropriate birth control—or its side effects—doesn’t always have to be on women.
Funnily enough, I just heard of a new birth control for men that isn’t on the market, at least yet… it’s cleverly called Plan A.
Edit: fixed the link