Woman’s fight for sterilisation raises questions over access to procedure
Leah Spasova successfully challenged the NHS's denial of her sterilisation request through the health ombudsman, highlighting ongoing debates about access to the procedure. Critics argue that women face systemic barriers and unequal treatment compared to men seeking vasectomies, undermining bodily autonomy. While some emphasize medical concerns and high regret rates, others call for improved access and trust in women's reproductive decisions.
- ▪Leah Spasova spent years seeking a tubal ligation and was ultimately successful after appealing to the health ombudsman.
- ▪In 2024-25, there were 10,793 female sterilisations in the UK, a 22% decrease over the past decade, compared to 26,385 vasectomies, which increased by 16% year on year.
- ▪Charlotte Glynn of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service described access to female sterilisation as a 'postcode lottery' and cited medical misogyny in how women's reproductive choices are treated.
- ▪Anna Glasier, an emeritus professor at the University of Edinburgh, argued that long-acting reversible contraception offers women a viable alternative to permanent sterilisation.
- ▪Studies suggest up to 20% of women may regret sterilisation, particularly when the procedure occurs at a younger age or shortly after childbirth.
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Leah Spasova has spent years seeking an operation to prevent pregnancy by blocking her fallopian tubes. Photograph: SuppliedView image in fullscreenLeah Spasova has spent years seeking an operation to prevent pregnancy by blocking her fallopian tubes. Photograph: SuppliedWomen's healthAnalysisWoman’s fight for sterilisation raises questions over access to procedureSarah Marsh Consumer affairs correspondent Critics say women face unequal treatment but others say tighter controls reflect legitimate medical concernsFri 1 May 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 09.01 EDTShareA psychologist who was denied sterilisation on the NHS has successfully challenged the decision after taking her case to the health ombudsman, raising questions over how accessible the procedure should be.Leah…
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