Disabled Vic woman won't be sterilised

A bid by the parents of an intellectually disabled girl to have her permanently sterilised over fears she could become pregnant has been denied.

An intellectually disabled woman will not be forcibly sterilised despite fears she could become pregnant.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal denied an application from the 25-year-old's parents to provide consent for the woman, known as ZEH, to have a tubal litigation as a form of permanent contraception.

Her parents raised concerns that the woman's friendly and trusting nature was easily influenced and vulnerable of being taken advantage of sexually.

They said her character and personality had evolved into a person who gravitated to anyone who smiled or showed interest in her and always did what others said.

Her sister said ZEH struggled to care for herself on a daily basis and would be unable to care for a child if she were to become pregnant.

"To expect her to care for another person and be accountable for that individual is simply preposterous," her sister said.

Her parents, who cannot be named because it would identify ZEH, said she experienced health effects linked with her taking the contraceptive pill and feared the treatment could lead to breast or cervical cancer.

The woman, who is described as an accomplished athlete, has been taking the contraceptive pill since 2007.

But psychologist Kerry Arrow said she found ZEH wanted to remain on the pill and was reluctant to pursue other options.

The tribunal was not satisfied that the "invasive procedure" would be in the best interests of the woman.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP

Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world