No Vasectomy Raj in the State

I am still guilty that I killed my wife. She was a very brave and a wise lady. Considering our financial status we both mutually decided that she will go for sterilisation. To save money she forced me to opt for a government camp. During the procedure, she went through a complication and she died. I lost my wife and my kids lost their mother. I don’t blame the system for or anyone else except myself. I was not brave enough. I could have gone for sterilisation which is far more safer. I would suggest all the men that I lost my wife I request others please be brave enough and contribute for your family and society. This is a story of Harilal(name changed) which is just a very small reflection of the contribution men in family planning and population control.

Rajasthan state is not just battling a paralysed sex ratio and women’s safety, but also lagging behind in ensuring equality as far as family planning is concerned. Data shows that the onus of family planning predominantly rests with women. As per the data shared by the health department of Rajasthan through RTI women accounts for 98.62% of sterilisations conducted at various family welfare centres in the state.

In the year 2016-17 out of total 2.79 lakhs sterilisation only conducted only 3836 men participated in it. There are total 5 districts in the state in which less than 10 men participated in the sterilisation process. The data on men’s participation in 2017-18 up-to July is even more threatening, only 1.4 percent men participated in sterilisation.

REALITY CHECK FINDINGS OF HUMAN RIGHTS LAW NETWORK TEAM VISIT IN FEB 2017

Shri Khatushyamji Community Health Centre

The women received anaesthesia via injection from an anaesthetist. Following the anesthetic, the women were left to lie in a room with their bodies completely covered by a blanket. The women were left unattended, as the doctors took breaks to allow the anesthetic to take effect for about 45 minutes. An activist from the team was invited to observe several of the procedures by the surgeon. The activist was informed by the doctor that he changes gloves frequently. 

Gulabpura Community Health Centre

There was no discussion with the women about the inherent risks of the surgery or the necessary post-operation procedures. The women were not given hospital gowns for the operations and remained in their personal clothes. The hospital had open spaces that were exposed to the elements, and the team observed a stray dog walking through the hospital and near the entrance to the operating theatre and women’s wards

EXPERT SPEAKS

Vasectomy in no way affects or reduces the sexual potency or desires in men. It does not affect the physical strength. Unfortunately, some how men have been avoiding sterilisation.
Dr RK Solanki, Psychiatrist

The camp-based approach for population control has to be minimised. Sterilisation must be a part of the regular reproductive health service.
Chhaya Pachauli, Social Activist

Sources: RTI, data till July 2017-18, Ministry of health and family welfare, Human rights law network & Prayas Corp