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“I Forbid It”: Man Puts A Stop On Wife’s Reproductive Choices, She Consults Divorce Lawyer
“I Forbid It”: Man Puts A Stop On Wife’s Reproductive Choices, She Consults Divorce Lawyer
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“I Forbid It”: Man Puts A Stop On Wife’s Reproductive Choices, She Consults Divorce Lawyer

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While starting a family can be exciting, knowing that it’s complete can bring another kind of joy. However, when partners feel content with the size of their family, that often leaves them with another dilemma: how should they ensure that the number of their household members remains the same? 

Since this woman had debilitating reactions to birth control and didn’t trust other methods, she thought that sterilization (either for her or her husband) would be perfect for their family. What she didn’t expect was that her husband would strongly object, forbidding her from going through with it. 

RELATED:

    Deciding that a family is complete entails finding reliable forms of contraception

    Woman considering sterilization while holding pills and a glass of water.

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    This woman thought that for her family, sterilization would be the perfect solution, but her husband strongly objected

    Text discussing sterilization decision without partner's agreement, focusing on relationship dynamics and reproductive choices.

    Text discussing sterilization decision in family planning context.

    Text discussing choosing sterilization for birth control reasons against partner's wishes.

    Man discussing in kitchen while gesturing, partner's hand pointing back, highlighting relationship and sterilization topic.

    Image credits: Timur Weber / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    Text discussing sterilization decision causing relationship conflict.

    Text about sterilization decision against partner’s wishes, discussing scheduling a gynecologist consultation.

    Image credits: Kimber_Rex22

    Healthcare professional performing a sterilization procedure, highlighting sterilization decisions in medical settings.

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    Permanent birth control isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly

    When couples come to the decision that they don’t want any more children, the topic of permanent birth control tends to come up, particularly for opposite-sex couples. However, it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. There are many things to consider, like, is it really the best option? Do they really want an irreversible solution? Which person should go through it?

    For comparison, a vasectomy, a male permanent birth control, usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, needs only local anesthesia, is minimally invasive, and takes less time to heal. Men can return to work 24 hours after the procedure and it costs between $0 and $1,000 depending on the person’s insurance policy. 

    Vasectomies are one of the most effective and safest forms of permanent birth control methods out there. It’s more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and most people don’t have any issues after the procedure. They can also be reversed, but it’s not guaranteed that the person will become fertile again. The chance of getting a partner pregnant after vasectomy reversal is between 30% and 90%. 

    Meanwhile, tubal ligation and bilateral salpingectomy, female forms of permanent birth control, are much more complicated processes. These procedures require the removal of both fallopian tubes, which calls for general anesthesia, and it can take 14 days to resume normal activities. The cost greatly varies depending on insurance and the type of the procedure. In some cases, it can reach the tens of thousands of dollars mark. The effectiveness of the procedure is lower than with vasectomies, with the failure rate being 0.6% after one year.

    Couple experiencing tension, woman sitting upset on bed, reflecting sterilization decision against partner's wishes.

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    Any conversation around reproductive procedures can be strained depending on the couple

    Even though spousal consent is no longer needed to go through with sterilization, it’s not something that should be done without a partner’s knowledge. Since both vasectomy and salpingectomy are lifelong commitments, they should be thoroughly discussed in a couple. 

    In general, men tend to be more apprehensive about having permanent birth control procedures, as around 10.3 million women (27%) rely on female sterilization, while 3.5 million men choose to undergo vasectomy. For women in the US, permanent birth control is the most popular form of contraception, while for men it’s condoms. 

    Since some men can feel apprehensive about permanent birth control methods, the conversation about it can be quite tense for some couples. Sophie Keramidopoulos, counseling manager at Marie Stopes Australia, says that any conversation around reproductive procedures can be strained depending on the couple. “Any decision about a procedure on a body is deeply personal and for each individual the reasons are different.”

    She says it’s important to respect each other’s bodily integrity and make the decision without any coercion. If the couple has any issues when talking about permanent birth control, Keramidopoulos suggests finding other ways to have that conversation. 

    “My advice [for partners who are feeling frustrated] is to speak to their partner about why they are wanting to change the contraception they have been using and why them taking contraception themselves isn’t suitable anymore. [And] find out what their partner’s hesitation is.”

    Something else that might help is getting educated about the procedures, like what they entail and what the recovery will look like. Usually, the hesitation stems from the unknown, so eliminating it can help have a more productive discussion. In case it’s necessary, reach out to professionals who can dispel any doubts or misconceptions. 

    The woman provided more information in the comments

    Reddit discussion on sterilizing against partner's wishes, featuring supportive and questioning comments.

    Discussion about partner's wishes regarding sterilization and vasectomy.

    Discussion about sterilization decisions in a Reddit thread.

    Text conversation about sterilization and partner's wishes, focusing on marriage and reproductive health decisions.

    Online discussion about sterilization decision impacting marriage.

    Reddit comments discussing sterilization concerns and IUD experiences in a relationship context.

    Discussion about sterilization and partner concerns in an online forum.

    Comments discussing sterilization and relationship impact with partner.

    Discussion about sterilization decision against partner's wishes, featuring user comments on birth control choices.

    Meanwhile, readers shared their opinions about how she was right about the whole thing

    Text comment on sterilization disagreement, stating, "He 'forbids' you. Big NOPE on that.

    Online comment discussing body autonomy and reproductive choices.

    Comment on sterilization, "Your body your choice NTA," with 3.2k points, 4 days ago.

    Text comment discussing sterilization and relationship issues.

    Text discussion about sterilizing against partner’s wishes, focusing on personal autonomy and relationship issues.

    Comment discussing sterilization choice and partner's control concerns.

    Reddit comment discussing sterilization and relationship advice.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing sterilizing against partner's wishes in a marriage.

    Comment discussing sterilization decision and ovarian cancer risk reduction.

    Comment discussing sterilization and trust in birth control methods.

    Comment discussing sterilization and relationship disagreement.

    Later, the woman shared her first update

    Man in a blue shirt sits with his head in hand, discussing sterilization against partner's wishes.

    Image credits: Timur Weber / Pexels (not the actual photo)

    Text discussing finding confidence to converse with partner, considering sterilization decision.

    Text describing a conversation about sterilization decision against partner’s wishes.

    Text discussing sterilization decision against partner's wishes, questioning about having more children.

    Text discussing sterilization decision against partner's wishes and concerns about surgeries.

    Text about sterilizing against partner’s wishes, discussing vasectomy and birth control challenges.

    Image credits: Kimber_Rex22

    After it, readers continued to critique the husband

    Reddit comments discussing sterilizing against partner's wishes and couples counseling suggestion.

    Reddit discussion about sterilizing against partner's wishes, highlighting relationship and birth control issues.

    Reddit discussion on sterilization choices and partner disagreements.

    Comment criticizing opposition to sterilization decision in relationship.

    Reddit comment criticizing a partner, related to sterilizing against wishes.

    Comment discussing relationship issue and sterilization against partner’s wishes on social platform.

    Comment expressing strong disapproval about sterilization decision against partner's wishes.

    A Reddit comment discussing sterilization and partner consent issues.

    Then, the woman shared her second update

    Person looking thoughtful, hand on mouth, contemplating sterilization decision amid partner disagreement.

    Image credits: Daniel Martinez / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    Text from a personal story about a woman visiting her sister and considering divorce, mentioning a lawyer.

    Text discussing sterilization decision against partner's wishes, ending attraction, and children unaware of situation.

    Text about using an IUD and experiences with birth control, highlighting issues with pain and depression.

    Text mentioning relationship disagreements and growing up in a Catholic community.

    Image credits: Kimber_Rex22

    Under it, readers were applauding the way she’s handled everything

    Reddit discussion on sterilizing against partner's wishes, featuring supportive and candid comments.

    Reddit discussion about sterilization against partner's wishes, focusing on relationship dynamics and potential divorce.

    Debate on sterilizing against partner's wishes, discussing IUD dangers and pill side effects.

    Online discussion about sterilization decision against partner's wishes, focusing on financial and safety advice.

    Discussion about sterilization decision against partner's wishes, including effects on periods and birth control experiences.

    Reddit comment discussing frustration over partner disagreements and perspectives on sterilization and birth control.

    Text exchange about relationship issues and respect, discussing the impact on family dynamics.

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    Austeja Zokaitė

    Austeja Zokaitė

    Writer, Community member

    Read more »

    Hi, glad you swung by! My name is Austėja, and in the past, I was a writer at Bored Panda. In my time here, I’ve covered some fun topics such as scrungy cats and pareidolia, as well as more serious ones about mental health and relationship hiccups. You can check them out below! I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them:)

    Read less »
    Austeja Zokaitė

    Austeja Zokaitė

    Writer, Community member

    Hi, glad you swung by! My name is Austėja, and in the past, I was a writer at Bored Panda. In my time here, I’ve covered some fun topics such as scrungy cats and pareidolia, as well as more serious ones about mental health and relationship hiccups. You can check them out below! I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them:)

    What do you think ?
    Helena
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So if she had to have her uterus removed if one of the births had gone wrong. Or has cancer some day, she'd just be screwed and on her own because she was no longer 'a woman'. Screw that noise. I don't care how long you've been married. That much emphasis on nothing but reproductive parts is a deal breaker.

    lenka
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Totally agree. Although sadly, is is not an uncommon perspective among men. There is a reason so many doctors demand the husband's consent.

    Load More Replies...
    Jill Rhodry
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sigh and eye rolling when asking to talk is utter contempt - there's no coming back from that regardless of anything else

    DaisyBee
    Community Member
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That got me too. The screaming tantrum was the major red flag but the eye roll and sigh because she wanted to speak to him and not have him scrolling TikTok? String up another red flag, it’s a party!

    Load More Replies...
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    SirWriteALot
    Community Member
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just in case any guys are wondering: you don't lose your manhood. You don't lose your balls. You don't even lose your j**z, s***k, c*m, whatever. There's enough fluid coming out for you to feel real manly. The only thing missing is the little squirmy bits that make up like 0.1% of the entire ejaculate. Vasectomys are safe, simple, cheap(er) AND they're reversible (most of the time).

    StumblingThroughLife
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This! Tied tubes in women aren't reversible, and also the procedure for women isn't a walk in the park - so her soon-to-be-ex is not only a horrible, bullying D******d, he's also selfish in the extreme. I do wonder if he's still quietly deep into their religion, and, no matter what religion, there are always ones that take it too far, especially when it comes to women's rights.

    Load More Replies...
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    Helena
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So if she had to have her uterus removed if one of the births had gone wrong. Or has cancer some day, she'd just be screwed and on her own because she was no longer 'a woman'. Screw that noise. I don't care how long you've been married. That much emphasis on nothing but reproductive parts is a deal breaker.

    lenka
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Totally agree. Although sadly, is is not an uncommon perspective among men. There is a reason so many doctors demand the husband's consent.

    Load More Replies...
    Jill Rhodry
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sigh and eye rolling when asking to talk is utter contempt - there's no coming back from that regardless of anything else

    DaisyBee
    Community Member
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That got me too. The screaming tantrum was the major red flag but the eye roll and sigh because she wanted to speak to him and not have him scrolling TikTok? String up another red flag, it’s a party!

    Load More Replies...
    ADVERTISEMENT
    SirWriteALot
    Community Member
    9 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just in case any guys are wondering: you don't lose your manhood. You don't lose your balls. You don't even lose your j**z, s***k, c*m, whatever. There's enough fluid coming out for you to feel real manly. The only thing missing is the little squirmy bits that make up like 0.1% of the entire ejaculate. Vasectomys are safe, simple, cheap(er) AND they're reversible (most of the time).

    StumblingThroughLife
    Community Member
    9 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This! Tied tubes in women aren't reversible, and also the procedure for women isn't a walk in the park - so her soon-to-be-ex is not only a horrible, bullying D******d, he's also selfish in the extreme. I do wonder if he's still quietly deep into their religion, and, no matter what religion, there are always ones that take it too far, especially when it comes to women's rights.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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