Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a recent study reveals that more women opted for tubal ligations, particularly in states with strict abortion bans. The research letter, published in JAMA, analyzed insurance claims data from 2021 and 2022 involving approximately 4.8 million women who underwent tubal ligation surgeries. The states were categorized as “banned,” “limited,” or “protected” based on their abortion policies.
Before the Dobbs decision in late June 2022, the rates of tubal ligations remained steady across all state groups for 18 months. However, in the latter half of 2022, there was a noticeable increase in tubal ligation procedures in all state categories. Researchers observed a consistent monthly rise of 3% in tubal ligations within states with abortion bans.
Lead author Xiao Xu, an associate professor at Columbia University, noted that the surge in tubal ligation procedures aligns with the changing abortion landscape. This study contributes to existing research demonstrating a spike in sterilization procedures post the Roe v. Wade reversal. Another study published in JAMA Health Forum earlier this year also highlighted a notable increase in tubal ligations among women aged 18-30 and vasectomies among men in the same age group.
Dr. Clayton Alfonso from Duke University in North Carolina mentioned witnessing a rise in tubal ligations in his OB-GYN practice, especially around the time of the Dobbs decision. Patients expressed concerns about contraception failure and unexpected pregnancies, prompting their preference for sterilization as a reliable alternative.
Notably, North Carolina implemented strict abortion laws in 2023, restricting most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, which influenced the demand for tubal ligations. Alfonso indicated a slight decline in patients seeking the procedure as they gained clarity on local legislation. With the reproductive healthcare landscape continually evolving, researchers are keen on further exploring trends beyond 2022 as more data becomes available for analysis.
