The Impact of Abortion Laws on the Decision to Undergo Vasectomy

Abstract

Rationale and Objectives

To assess trends in men who underwent vasectomy before and after the Texas abortion law which passed on May 19, 2021, and the direct impact of the reversal of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, on the decision for vasectomy.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of the electronic health records from a private reproductive urology center, including all consecutive patients undergoing vasectomy with no exclusions from October 1, 2010 to June 26, 2022.

Results

Data were reviewed on 2642 men who underwent vasectomy. After the Texas law change men were younger and had fewer children, there was a higher percentage without children, than those who underwent vasectomy prior. There were more single men who underwent vasectomy after.

Of 377 men who underwent vasectomy following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, 39.3% reported it directly impact their decision for vasectomy. The men who reported it impacted their decision had fewer number of children at the time of vasectomy. There was not a difference in marital status impacting the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) rulings effect on the decision for vasectomy.

Conclusion

There is an association between the Texas abortion law and trends in younger men seeking vasectomy with fewer children, more men without children, and more single men opting for vasectomy following the law. Of men who underwent vasectomy following the SCOTUS ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, 39.3% reported the ruling directly impacted their decision for vasectomy. These men had fewer children at the time of vasectomy and no difference in marital status compared to men who the ruling did not impact their decision for vasectomy.