Bihar Sterilization: Men Shun Vasectomy, Women Bear Brunt

A recent sterilization campaign in Bihar, held from July 11 to July 31 as part of a World Population Day initiative, saw minimal male participation. Out of 15,033 participants, only 305 were men, accounting for just 2% of all procedures. Conversely, 14,728 women underwent sterilization, indicating women bear approximately 98% of the responsibility for permanent family planning.

Bihar has consistently shown low rates of male sterilization, known as vasectomy, a procedure considered simpler and safer than female sterilization. This trend persists despite the state having one of the highest fertility rates in India, currently at 2.9 children per woman according to 2024 SRS data, significantly above the national average of 1.9. Public health experts stress that improving male involvement is vital for balanced and equitable family planning efforts.

Patna district led in female sterilizations with 1,210 procedures. For male sterilizations, Vaishali and Siwan districts performed best, each with 52 procedures. However, many districts reported negligible or zero male sterilizations, underscoring the widespread issue. While the campaign's overall performance was noted as encouraging, sustained awareness drives, myth-busting, and better counseling are deemed essential to boost male acceptance and promote shared responsibility.

Deep-rooted social stigma, misconceptions about masculinity, limited awareness, and traditional gender norms that place the burden of contraception on women are cited as major deterrents for men opting for vasectomy. Conversely, increased female participation reflects growing awareness and empowerment, with women taking a greater role in household decision-making and choosing sterilization despite higher incentives offered for male procedures.