Contraceptive Sterilization: A Rational Choice?

The rapid spread of medical contraception and new reproductive technologies in Western countries complete the process of separation between sexuality and procreation started in the early 20th century. It also contributes to strengthen the body sex medicalization, conceptualized by Foucault in terms of Biopower. Contraceptive sterilization is one of the links in this process, affording the opportunity to heterosexual individuals and couples to live sexuality without any risk of pregnancy and contraceptive contingency. The use of voluntary suppression of its reproductive potential is also involved in a rationalization of the reproductive and family life and recognition of a non-reproductive sexuality. In the context of this communication, we will question the notion of rational choice associated to the use of contraceptive sterilization in comparing Canada (Quebec) and France, two countries with very different contraceptive practices. If in Canada, the use of sterilization is the preferred method of those who no longer wish an additional child, in France, this kind of contraceptive choice remains marginal. So we will first analyze the motivations that led men and women in Canada and France to choose sterilization as a contraceptive method. Then we will look at the impact of this intervention on the representations and sexual behavior of sterilized people. These comparative analyzes will focus on interviews in Canada and France, between 2005 and 2007, with thirty-five women and men sterilized. While showing the influence of socio-cultural contexts in the decision to use sterilization, they will show how this intervention on the body can be chosen under the guise of family responsibilities and a family ideal, strengthening thereby a normative vision of family. In definitive, this paper will allow addressing the role of social and gender constraints underlying choices of sterilization and question the concept of rationality.