Priyanka Saurabh
India’s family planning program was launched in 1952 with the aim of controlling population growth through methods such as sterilization. Over the years, this initiative made progress towards population control and sustainability of health services. However, despite the existence of simpler and safer contraceptive options such as male sterilization, it has still not gained widespread social acceptance. According to a report, male sterilization accounts for only 0.3% of all procedures. Despite policy efforts, there is a significant gender disparity in sterilization rates, with women shouldering a greater responsibility due to cultural and social barriers. Despite pioneering family planning programs since 1952, there is a significant gender disparity in sterilization rates in India. Cultural and social norms are behind the gender disparity in sterilization rates and low male participation in contraception. Traditional gender roles in India often consider family planning to be primarily a woman’s responsibility. Surveys have shown that women are primarily responsible for sterilization, while men oppose it due to masculinity and ego concerns, making sterilization less acceptable. Many men are unaware of the available options for vasectomy, such as vasectomy. Surveys show that both men and health workers in rural areas often lack awareness about no-scalpel vasectomy, which is a less invasive and safer option, leading to fewer men opting for the procedure. Fear of wage loss and the impact of sterilization on daily earnings discourage men from opting for the procedure. Cash incentives offered by the government to compensate for wage loss are underutilized due to poor dissemination of information, leaving many men unaware of the financial support available. There is a widespread perception that vasectomy is riskier than it actually is, which makes men reluctant to undergo the procedure. Misinformation about the safety of vasectomy, including fear of side effects and complications, often prevents men from considering the procedure. There is a shortage of trained healthcare providers in many rural areas, which limits access to vasectomy procedures. Challenges in India’s sterilization program include lack of informed consent. Many women in rural areas are pressured or forced to undergo sterilization procedures without fully understanding the implications of the procedure. The infamous sterilization scandal in Chhattisgarh in 2014, where 15 women died after a botched sterilization camp, highlighted the disregard for informed consent. Sterilization procedures are often performed in poorly equipped health facilities with inadequate sterilization practices, leading to infections and complications. Government targets for sterilization often put pressure on health workers to meet quotas, compromising quality of care and ethical considerations. Sterilization is disproportionately targeted at women, which perpetuates gender inequality and limits reproductive choices. According to NFHS-4 (2015-16), female sterilization is 37.9%, while male sterilization is only 0.3%, highlighting the skewed distribution of sterilization responsibilities in India. Women who undergo sterilization may face social stigma and discrimination, which affects their self-esteem and well-being. While the National Health Policy 2017 has set ambitious targets for male sterilization, implementation has been slow. Despite policy initiatives, male sterilization rates have stagnated due to inadequate focus on addressing barriers that prevent men’s participation in family planning programs. Measures to achieve the National Health Policy 2017 target of 30% male sterilization Increase awareness and education. Focused educational campaigns to raise awareness about the safety and benefits of male sterilization can encourage greater participation. Information campaigns should emphasize the benefits of no-scalpel sterilization, highlighting its safety and minimal recovery time. Offering men more attractive financial incentives to opt for sterilization can increase participation.
Achieving the National Health Policy 2017 target of 30% male sterilization by 2025 is crucial for gender equality in family planning. Addressing cultural, economic, and infrastructural barriers can promote male participation. Best practices from other countries, such as community leader involvement and targeted education, will accelerate progress. Vasectomy is a simpler and safer procedure than female sterilization. Its adoption will not only reduce health problems for women but also promote gender equality in society. India must establish family planning as a shared responsibility through education, awareness, and economic incentives. Family is not just a woman’s responsibility.
