Permanent sterilisation for females with developmental disability

All jurisdictions in Australia require legal authority for any procedures that result in irreversible sterilisation. Although jurisdictions have different processes, courts and tribunals, irreversible sterilisation of any female with intellectual disability is rarely approved.

Sterilisation may be an option as a form of contraception for females with developmental disability, if:

• it is the informed choice of the female and is considered to be in the female’s best interests by the state legal authority (see also Consent, capacity and decision making in people with developmental disability)
• other less restrictive reversible methods of contraception cannot be used, or have been unsatisfactory.

The 2 main procedures, which result in irreversible sterilisation, are tubal ligation, and hysterectomy with or without the removal of the ovaries. Endometrial ablation, although not permanent in itself, is permanent in the sense that after the procedure, pregnancy has a high risk of complications; females are counselled against risking pregnancy after endometrial ablation.