| Abstract: | Since the initial use of sterilization in the Philippines in 1973 as a family planning method, it has become more and more widespread. A bar graph, giving yearly percentages of acceptors for 5 family planning methods, for the years 1974 -- 1977, shows sterilization increasing steadily in popularity, from 3% in 1974, to 12.7% in 1977. Objections to sterilization generally stem from sociocultural and religious considerations as well as misconceptions and fear. People have feared that sterilization is a form of mutilation and castration. Due perhaps to the male fears of castration, female sterilization acceptors account for 90.6% of sterilizations in the Philippines. In 1974, the Philippine government's Commission on Population set guidelines for the training of physicians and the setting up of sterilization centers. The guidelines also stipulated that the procedure would be undertaken on a voluntary basis, would not include abortion, and that clients would be informed of all medical implications, particularly the irreversibility of sterilization. Programs for sterilization in the Philippines have different requirements for acceptors; most stipulate parity of 2 to 4. Difficulties have also arisen from the uneven distribution of sterilization providers throughout the country as well as a lack of physicians trained in both male and female sterilization methods. The need to create effective linkages among the various agencies engaged in sterilization work is noted. |
