Medicaid's Postpartum Tubal Sterilization Policy's Effect on Vulnerable Populations

• Main Author: Turner, Katherine
• Format: Others
• Published: ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University 2015
• Subjects: Tubal Sterilization; Medicaid; Vulnerable Population; Birth Control; Policy
• Online Access: http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/iph_theses/364; http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1392&context=iph_theses

After the forced sterilizations of low-income and minority women were exposed in the 1970’s, new Medicaid policies were put into place in order to protect vulnerable populations. The revised policy included a mandatory consent form and a waiting period of 30 days between consent and procedure, as well as a presentation of the form at time of procedure. Although these policies were enacted to protect vulnerable populations, research has shown they are ineffective and act as barrier to women receiving the post-partum tubal sterilization that they desire. The policy has been shown to have a disproportionate detrimental impact on minority populations, and it has created a two-tiered health care system in terms of sterilization. The unfulfilled requests lead to many inadvertent consequences, including higher rates of unintended pregnancies, abortions, loss of self-efficacy, and higher costs for the Medicaid system. In order to ensure equitable treatment of Medicaid patients in regards to tubal sterilization, the 30-day waiting period should be rescinded. Additionally, to confirm that patients are fully knowledgeable of the implications of the tubal sterilization, the form and any ensuing consent should be rewritten to meet literacy standards for the target demographic. This analysis will include a history of the issue, an examination of relevant research, a policy analysis and recommendations to enhance healthcare equity.