Decline in male sterilisation (vasectomy) rates in India

Source: The post decline in male sterilisation (vasectomy) rates in India has been created, based on the article “Indians need to share contraceptive responsibility” published in “The Hindu” on 30th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society-population and associated issues

Context: The article discusses the decline in male sterilisation (vasectomy) rates in India, highlighting gender disparities in family planning. It suggests improving awareness, offering incentives, and learning from other countries to increase male participation in sterilisation to achieve gender equality and better family planning outcomes. Decline in male sterilisation rates in India.

Why is Male Sterilisation Declining in India?

Declining Rates: Male sterilisation rates fell from 80.5% in 1966-70 to 0.3% by NFHS-4 (2015-16) and remained constant in NFHS-5. Female sterilisation dominates, accounting for 37.9%.

Barriers:

Social beliefs: Men often think sterilisation is a woman’s responsibility.

Economic concerns: Fear of losing wages discourages men from undergoing the procedure.

Misconceptions: Myths about libido and masculinity prevent acceptance.

Lack of awareness: Women and men are unaware of cash incentives for vasectomies.

Service gaps: Rural areas lack skilled providers and awareness among community health workers.

What should be done?

1. Improve Service Delivery: Train more healthcare providers, especially in rural areas, to perform no-scalpel vasectomies. Strengthen national health systems to align with goals.
2. Awareness campaigns: Peer-group discussions in schools and sustained communication can break myths and destigmatise vasectomies.
3. Cash incentives: Enhance monetary benefits for men undergoing vasectomies, as seen in Maharashtra’s 2019 study where incentives boosted uptake. Madhya Pradesh’s 50% increase in incentives in 2022 is an example to replicate nationwide.
4. Learn from Other Countries:
5. South Korea: High vasectomy rates due to progressive norms and gender equality.
6. Bhutan: Government-led vasectomy camps and quality services increased uptake.
7. Brazil: Mass media campaigns raised awareness, boosting rates from 0.8% to 5% over decades.

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons for the decline in male sterilisation rates in India and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.