Eliminating forced, coercive and otherwise involuntary sterilization

Among other contraceptive methods, sterilization is an important option for individuals and couples to control their fertility. Sterilization is one of the most widely used forms of contraception in the world. When performed according to appropriate clinical standards with informed consent, sterilization methods such as vasectomy and tubal ligation are safe and effective means of permanently controlling fertility. However, in some countries, people belonging to certain population groups, including people living with HIV, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, and transgender and inter-sex persons, continue to be sterilized without their full, free and informed consent.