The law requiring a 30-day waiting period for Medicaid recipients seeking sterilization was put in place to protect against coerced sterilization, stemming from a history of unethical and nonconsensual procedures on marginalized populations. However, this waiting period now presents a barrier to access to permanent fertility control. Eliminating this waiting period, or at least reducing it to 24 hours, would ensure equitable access to sterilization for all individuals, regardless of their insurance coverage. Informed consent is crucial, and policy changes are needed to address these issues and prioritize patient autonomy in reproductive healthcare.
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Eliminate the waiting period for sterilization covered by Medicaid
