Understanding the decision-making process and consequences of tubal ligation among selected rural women

• Main Author: Belizar, Eleanor Rivas
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1998
• Subjects: Sterilization; Tubal; Rural women; Decision-making; Birth control; Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/1890
• Institution: De La Salle University

This exploratory study seeks to describe and analyze how women decide on tubal ligation and what the subsequent consequences of such decisions are on their general well-being. The study employed the grounded theory approach to understand the intricate process of decision-making among women who had undergone tubal ligation and those who once considered tubal ligation but eventually decided against it. Purposive sampling was used in determining the respondents of the study. Data were collected using the focus group discussion (FGD) and indepth interview with two subgroups of women and 15 members each, and of 30 ligated and 30 unligated women. Findings showed that the social context in which women arrive at decision yields considerable influence on decision-making. In Sto. Domingo, tubal ligation is referred to as kapon or castration. Another popular term is parti which refers to the slaughtering of animals. Women also share the belief that the operation can turn them into maniacs and that it can cause diseases such as cancer, lunacy, and other bodily discomforts. It is also believed to be fatal especially if tanggad (post-ligation care) is not strictly followed. Data revealed that decision-making was not made independently. The decision to undergo tubal ligation is highly dependent on the husband and significant others. Reasons for undergoing ligation include age, parity, and abject poverty. But at the heart of the decision-making is patriarchy given the limited participation of women in decision-making in the household. Without the husband's consent, the woman is not allowed to have the operation. This is further influenced by the availability of resources such as free ligation services and presence of patallikud (support) during the observance of tanggad. Findings imply the unequal relationship in decision-making within the family. Women are not capable of making their own decisions regarding fertility regulation particularly tubal ligation. Exercise of reproductive freedom is limited. The need to have more choices and more control.