A 35-year-old woman with two children desires female sterilization (tubectomy) at a government health facility in India. Which statement regarding the legal requirements for the procedure is correct?
- A Written consent of the husband is mandatory before the procedure
- B The woman must have at least two living children to be eligible
- C The woman must be at least 22 years old or have at least one living child, and her own written consent is sufficient ✓
- D Court approval is required for women under 40 years of age
Correct answer: C. The woman must be at least 22 years old or have at least one living child, and her own written consent is sufficient
Explanation
Under India's Family Planning programme, the minimum age for female sterilization is 22 years or the woman must have at least one living child. Only the woman's written written consent is required; spousal consent is not legally mandated. There is no requirement for a minimum number of children or court approval.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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