No kidding

Re: Doctors placing age limit on ‘ tubals,’ sterilization, Sept. 7

Your article took me back al- most 40 years to when I was 34 and was having great difficulty finding a doctor to give me a vasectomy.

The first told me that I was too young to make such an important decision, and to come back in 10 years.

The second refused to perform a vasectomy on someone who wasn’t married, and told me to get married and to return with my wife. I guess he figured that only married people have sex and can get pregnant.

The third said, “But you don’t have any children yet. Come back after you’ve had some kids.” I replied, “By then it’ll be too late!”

The fourth interrogated me for more than fifteen minutes. I asked him if he would have had so many questions if, instead of wanting a vasectomy, I had announced that I planned to have 10 kids. He paused a while, and then answered, “No, probably not.” I retorted, “Who am I hurting by having none?” And then I asked, “Which will have a stronger impact on me, my wife, society and the planet? And which is more permanent?”

After all, if I changed my mind ( which wasn’t very likely), I could always adopt children or marry a woman with kids.

If a parent changes their mind, they are still legally responsible for their children until they turn 18, and morally forever.

After much reflection, he finally said, “You’re absolutely right. How’s three weeks from next Wednesday?” (I had my vasectomy on Valentine’s Day, no less!)

I am often asked whether I have any regrets about getting a vasectomy. My only regret is that I didn’t get it sooner. Jerry Steinberg, founding nonfather of NO KIDDING!