HB1876: Sterilization operations; for persons 18 years of age or older and capable of informed consent.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1876

Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled January 8, 2013
A BILL to amend and reenact 54.1-2974 of the Code of Virginia, relating to sterilization operations for persons capable of informed consent; waiting period.
Patron-- McClellan

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That 54.1-2974 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

54.1-2974. Sterilization operations for persons 18 years or older capable of informed consent.

It shall be lawful for any physician licensed by the Board of Medicine to perform a vasectomy, salpingectomy, or other surgical sexual sterilization procedure on any person eighteen 18 years of age or older, who has the capacity to give informed consent, when so requested in writing by such person. Prior to or at the time of such request, a full, reasonable, and comprehensible medical explanation as to the meaning and consequences of such an operation and as to alternative methods of contraception shall be given by the physician to the person requesting the operation. No such operation shall be performed prior to thirty days from the date of the written request therefor upon a person who has not previously become the natural or adoptive parent of a child.