How would I go about getting attention or lobbying or something for this?

[maldoror]

If I were the doctor, I would be thinking, "Okay, she's basically coming to me saying she sucks too much at making decisions to not make this potentially permanent decision to remove herself from the  gene pool." Weird logic if you think about it. On top of that, I don't see how you could stir up a commotion, because as far as I'm aware most doctors have authority over which procedures they feel comfortable performing (as long as the patient's life isn't in danger), as concerning sex change operations and abortions (the same argument could be applied to the former, but it isn't). Not like there's some kind of law against it. Does a person have to go through the same thing to get a vasectomy?

[Callaway]

I found this information from Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts. 

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/centerDetails.asp?id=1017

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/birth-control-pregnancy/birth-control/tubal-sterilization.htm

[El]

I found this information from Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts. 

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/centerDetails.asp?id=1017

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/birth-control-pregnancy/birth-control/tubal-sterilization.htm

thank you. 

[McGiver]

I'd like to figure some way to raise awareness, or something.  I don't even know how to go about finding out what the actual policy for it in MA is, let alone the US in general.

first step: burn your bra.

[El]

I'd like to figure some way to raise awareness, or something.  I don't even know how to go about finding out what the actual policy for it in MA is, let alone the US in general.

first step: burn your bra.

Sorry, I'm too cheap for that.

[McGiver]

I'd like to figure some way to raise awareness, or something.  I don't even know how to go about finding out what the actual policy for it in MA is, let alone the US in general.

first step: burn your bra.

Sorry, I'm too cheap for that.

second step:  recruit a bunch of lesbians for your cause.

[McGiver]

step three:  after you have gained awareness then you need a test case to bring before the supreme court.

[El]

UNfortunately I'd wind up getting too distracted by step 2. 

[Calandale]

UNfortunately I'd wind up getting too distracted by step 2. 

But then you'd have OTHER attentions to play with,
and needn't worry so much.

[McGiver]

all i am saying is that you should use the example of Roe v. Wade.

[Kiriana]

That's a really interesting question.  Have you tried looking up the state medical association to see if there's any official policy on this?  I'm fairly certain it's not a law.  I think it's probably a CYA move on the doctor's part.   A friend of mine had it done at around 21-22, but she had to sign alll kinds of waivers stating she couldn't hold the doctors responsible if she changed her mind, etc.  She also had to shop around to several different practices before she could find a doctor who would consider it even with the waivers.

Has she considered an IUD at all?  It's nearly as effective as sterilizaiton and there's nothing to remember for 5-10 years, depending on which model she chose.  Of course some people who are morally opposed to abortion are also morally opposed to an IUD, so maybe that's a long shot.

I don't have any names/websites off the top of my head, but to bring attention to the issue you'd probably want to talk to organizations that deal with reproductive rights.