Exploring Undergraduates' Attitudes Toward Sterilization as Contraception in the Northeastern United States: A Brief Report

Objective: This study analyzed young adults' understanding of and thoughts about permanent contraception amidst increased demand for sterilization in this population following changes in abortion and contraception access in the United States (US). Methods: Undergraduate students at a northeastern US university (N = 53) completed an online questionnaire assessing opinions about sterilization and factors they believed physicians should consider before performing sterilization. Quantitative analysis explored whether attitudes toward vasectomy versus tubal ligation differed by capacity to become pregnant. We used inductive thematic analysis to interpret qualitative data. Results: There were no differences in attitudes toward sterilization methods by capacity to become pregnant. However, participants estimated posttubal ligation regret would be significantly more prevalent than postvasectomy regret. Key qualitative themes included patient-centered care, regret, and sociocultural influences. Conclusions: This study revealed young adults value bodily autonomy in reproductive choices, regardless of permanence or potential regret, factors some providers weigh heavily. Whether interest in sterilization among this population increases or remains static, it is important for healthcare providers to be aware of these attitudes when handling requests from younger adults.