In Oklahoma, where abortion is banned, free vasectomies are a success

In an article published on September 27, the American media Jezebel claims that in the conservative state of Oklahoma, where abortion is completely banned, vasectomy would have unprecedented popularity.

A post on Facebook that went viral

It all started from a post on Facebook, the media say: “ When the Great Plains Family Planning Department announced on Facebook last week that it would be holding a series of free vasectomies, the message was reshared 6,000 times and all seats were booked in less than 48 hours. ” These operations will be performed free of charge for two days in October, to celebrate the launch of vasectomy services at the Oklahoma City health center, the president of Planned Parenthood told the local newspaper Oklahoma Voice.

Over the summer, Planned Parenthood had already begun offering free vasectomies at its clinic in Tulsa, about 100 miles away, generating such enthusiasm that a long waiting list had formed.

Protect yourself despite repressive laws

For health workers in the region there is no doubt. The repeal of Roe v. Wadingwhich guaranteed the right to abortion to citizens on American soil until July 2022, would have accelerated the use of this practice:

“ Basel Hassoun, a urologist in Oklahoma City, told the Oklahoma Voice that before the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, used to perform three or four vasectomies a month – today it’s three or four a week », recalls Jezebel. Mr. Hassoun says his patients also tend to be older than before: They used to be men in their 30s, but now they’re mostly men in their 40s or middle-aged people who don’t want to risk their partner getting pregnant (it’s true that people should not be forced to make medical decisions that they feel obligated to make by state laws (which is a form of reproductive coercion – but the sad reality is that they are only trying to protect themselves).

Jezebel, “Free vasectomy appointments in Oklahoma completed in less than 48 hours.”

Planned Parenthood announced that it is expanding this service to clinics in Mishawaka, Indiana (another state where abortion is banned), and Portland, Maine, where abortion is legal.