Date of Completion

5-2-2012

Embargo Period

5-2-2012

Advisors

Pamela I. Erickson; Merrill C. Singer

Field of Study

Anthropology

Degree

Master of Arts

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

Surgical sterilization is the primary method of family planning among low-income women in India; the result of limited knowledge and poor access to family planning alternatives. To understand the dynamics of sterilization, 37 in-depth interviews were conducted with sterilized women from the study community, as well as key informant interviews with community men, providers and government officials. The results indicate that sterilization decisions are made after exceeding ideal family size, that the procedures for sterilization frequently do not follow official protocol, but that for the most part women are highly positive about being free of the risk of unwanted conception.

Major Advisor

Stephen L. Schensul

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