CANADA

Key partner and Director of Training:
Dr. Michel Labrecque in Quebec

Medical Board Members:
Dr. Jack Chang, Vancouver
Dr. Michel Labrecque, Quebec

Notable Facts:
Highest Rate of Vasectomy Acceptance in the Western Hemisphere

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Vasectomy can be performed by any physician surgeon or urologist.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method or no-scalpel, needle-free method can be used.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years of age (according to state law), do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• A person cannot be sterilized without his or her consent.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Just a prior consultation with the doctor.
• No waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• No scripted questions for doctors to ask men.

Vasectomy cost:

• C$800 to C$1,287

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes, but does not include vasectomy reversal.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Private sector: It is promoted through Google ads, social networks and websites.

Medical Board Members:

Dr. Doug Stein,  Tampa, Florida
Dr. John Curington
Dr. Charles Wilson, Seattle, Washington
Dr. Sarah Miller
Dr. Alyssa Yee
Dr. Renee Johannensen

Notable Facts:

Approximately 8-10% vasectomy acceptance rate.

In the US, any client receiving federal funds to cover the cost of his procedure must wait at least 30 days after his counseling session before getting a vasectomy. 

In New York City, every man must wait 30 days – federal funding or not.

Dr. Esgar Guarin launches the first mobile vasectomy clinic.

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Vasectomy can be performed by any surgeon, urologist or family physician.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or the no-scalpel, no-needle method can be used.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years of age (according to state law), do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• Guardians of mentally challenged men may request vasectomy.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, interactive preoperative consultation.
• No waiting days are needed between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with questions that doctors should ask men: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/vasectomy-guideline

Vasectomy cost:

• $350 to $4,000

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Not

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Not

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Private sector: It is recurrent and promoted through Google ads, social networks, websites and during sports games.

Medical Board Members:

Dr. Jose Antonio Garduño Castro

Notable Facts

Mexico has been WVD’s leader in vasectomy acceptance. With the support of the Secretary of Health and the Center for Gender Equity and Reproductive Health, as well as DKT, Mexico, we have seen the numbers of vasectomies rise from under 1000 in 2015, to 2477 in 2016, 6,477 in 2017 and over 8,000 in 2018.

In 2018, DKt launched a mobile vasectomy unit and in which they are currently doing upwards of 50 vasectomies a week.

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Any trained general practitioner or urologist can perform a vasectomy.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The main method used is no-scalpel.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years old, no partner’s permission is needed, no minimum number of children.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, counseling sessions are required.
• There is no mandatory waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the main information about vasectomy.

Vasectomy cost:

• Around $15,000 Mexican currency.

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes, there are about 256 hospitals that perform vasectomy.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes, at the Mexican Social Security Institutes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Intesive days of no-scalpel vasectomy: mainly in June (fathers’ month) and November (world vasectomy day) with counseling and family planning actions.

Goals:

• Develop alliance with IPPF affiliate
• Share content

Goals:

• Develop alliance with IPPF affiliate
• Share content

Goals:

• Develop alliance with IPPF affiliate
• Sign up 1 vasectomy doctor to do 5 procedures.
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 5 more vasectomy doctors
• Do 25 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 5 more vasectomy doctors
• Do 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Vasectomy can only be performed by a urologist.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or also without a scalpel and without a needle.
• The patient must be over 18 years of age. It is not necessary to have children, nor the consent of the couple.
• In cases of mental problems, the informed consent of the patient’s legal representative is required.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, a counseling session is required and a consent form must be signed.
• No waiting days are needed between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is no script for the counselor.

Vasectomy cost:

• $300 to $400

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Not.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Pro Familia through Social Networks
• ISSS through social networks

Goals:

• Sign up 10 vasectomy doctors.
• Created an alliance with Aprofam, the country’s IPPF affiliate.
• Inspire 400 Vasectomies as part of WVD’s November 18-23 celebration.
• Produce short videos with Aprofam’s communication team.

Goals:

• Launch a second WVD event
• Inspire 100 vasectomies
• Further training for three doctors
• Develop a partnership between UNFPA Haiti, Universite Laval in Quebec, WVD and our country partner, Profamil, Hait’s IPPF affiliate. 

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Vasectomy can be performed by any doctor.
• The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office, with local anesthesia; they use the traditional method and no scalpel.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years of age, do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• In the case of the mentally handicapped, guardians may make the request, but it is recommended that depending on the disability, there be a formal consent of the person in question.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, counseling sessions are required.
• No mandatory waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the main information for counseling.

Vasectomy cost:

• U$ 200 to $800

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Not.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• The private sector campaigns only for social resources

Goals:

• Sign up 3 WVD vasectomy doctors
• Track down 10 doctors interested in learning NSV
• Launch nationwide social media campaign
• Inspire 3 vasectomies. 
• Partnership with Profamilia, Nicaragua (IPPF country affiliate).

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Only urologists can perform vasectomy.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. They use the traditional method and no scalpel.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years of age, the permission of their partner (when married) is required, but no minimum number of children is required.
• In the case of the mentally disabled, guardians can make the request, but it is recommended that depending on the disability, there is a formal consent of the person concerned.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, counseling sessions are required.
• No mandatory waiting days between counseling session and vasectomy.
• There is no script with the main information for counseling.

Vasectomy cost:

• $400 to $1,000 according to APLAFA

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Not

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Social Security: Vasectomy days – February and April.
• APLAFA: It is recurrent through social networks.

Goals:

• Develop alliance with IPPF affiliate
• Share content

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Law 26.130, 2006, any surgeon or urologist can perform vasectomy.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or also without a scalpel and without a needle.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 16 years of age, do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• A person cannot be sterilized without his or her consent and the consent or assent of third parties (such as relatives of the disabled person) or a judicial authorization should never be requested.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Just a chat with the doctor to clarify doubts.
• No mandatory waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the main information about vasectomy, after reading it, the patient must sign it with his consent.

Vasectomy cost:

• According to federal law, all public and private hospitals must offer free vasectomy.

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes, according to federal law.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Vasectomy is free of charge in health centers, hospitals, social security and prepaid health insurance companies.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• There is no promotion, but there is a bill for the promotion of campaigns. It has not yet been approved.

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Law 1152 of 2019.
• Only urologists can perform vasectomy.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. They use the traditional method and no scalpel.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years old, they do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• In the case of mentally handicapped persons, the Ombudsman’s Office must make the request with the consent of the legal representative.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, counseling sessions are required.
• There is no mandatory waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the main information about vasectomy.

Vasectomy cost:

• Around Bs 750 to Bs 1.500

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Marie Stopes Bolivia: October
• CIEDS: November

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Law 9263 of 996. Vasectomy can be performed by any surgeon or urologist.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or the no-scalpel, no-needle method can be used.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 25 years of age, with at least 2 children, and the permission of their partner is required.
• The guardians of men with mental problems can request vasectomy, but a judicial authorization is required.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, there is a mandatory 60-day wait between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a family planning script, but it is outdated and apparently not used.

Vasectomy cost:

• R$500 to R$3000

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes, the doctors can be urologists or general surgeons.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes, the public system meets needs.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Public sector: municipal agencies do it once a year.
• Private sector: It is recurrent and is promoted in Google ads, social networks and websites.

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Law 1412 of 2010.
• Any trained general practitioner or urologist can perform vasectomy.
• The procedure is performed in the office, with local anesthesia. They use the traditional method and no scalpel.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years of age, do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• In the case of mentally handicapped persons, the request and consent must be signed by the respective legal representative, with prior judicial authorization.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, counseling sessions are required.
• There is no mandatory waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the main information about vasectomy.

Vasectomy cost:

• Around $250,000 Colombian pesos.

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• National Vasectomy Day occurs mainly in November (World Vasectomy Day), with campaigns on radio, newspapers, television and social networks.

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Law 20.418.
• Vasectomy can be performed by any surgeon or urologist.
• The procedure is performed in the office, with local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or also without a scalpel and without a needle.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 21 years of age (according to state law), do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• In cases of mental problems, judicial authorization requested by the patient’s legal representative is mandatory.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Only a prior consultation with the physician in which the consent is signed, with an authorization from a psychologist.
• No waiting days are needed between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the questions that doctors must ask men, this is in the law.

Vasectomy cost:

• $850,000 and $1,250,000 Chilean currency

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• No, but there is a National Health Fund program with Bono PAD that includes discounts on the procedure.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Not.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Private Sector: Discount on the procedure in June

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Vasectomy can be performed by any general surgeon.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. They use the traditional, no-scalpel method.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years of age, do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• In the case of mentally handicapped persons, guardians may make the request, but it is recommended that depending on the disability, there be a formal consent of the person in question.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Yes, counseling sessions are required.
• No mandatory waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the main information for counseling.

Vasectomy cost:

• USD 600 and USD 1,000 .

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• The public system alone is sufficient.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Public system: recurrent.
• CEMOPLAF: recurrent in social networks.

Goals:

• Share content
• Launch nationwide social media campaign
• Distribute WVD Kit
• Align with IPPF country affiliate, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Vasectomy can be performed by any general surgeon.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or also without a scalpel and without a needle.
• The patient must be over 18 years of age.
• Young people without children, must sign the consent under notary public for medical legal protection.
• Married men with children must present the informed consent of their partner.
• In cases of mental problems, the informed consent of the patient’s legal representative is required.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Only a prior consultation with the physician in which the consent is signed.
• No waiting days between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is an informed consent form and application form.

Vasectomy cost:

• 1.500.000Gs to 2.000.000Gs.

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• No, but it is free of charge only at the Hospital de Clínicas.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Not.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Only on social networks.

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Only a urologist or gynecologist can perform a vasectomy.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or also without a scalpel and without a needle.
• It is suggested that men who wish to have a vasectomy should be over 25 years old, do not need their partner’s permission, with at least 3 children.
• In cases of mental problems, the informed consent of the patient’s legal representative is needed.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Only a prior consultation with the physician in which the consent is signed.
• A 3-day wait is required between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is an informed consent form and application form.

Vasectomy cost:

• $759.00 to $1500.00

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes.

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• Yes.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• National Maternal and Perinatal Institute: August to September

Vasectomy Regulations:

• Law 18.426, 2008.
• Vasectomy can be performed by any surgeon or urologist.
• The procedure is performed in the office, under local anesthesia. The traditional method can be used or also without a scalpel and without a needle.
• Men who wish to have a vasectomy must be over 18 years of age, do not need their partner’s permission, nor a minimum number of children.
• In cases of mental problems, judicial authorization requested by the patient’s legal representative is a mandatory requirement.

Is mandatory counseling required?

• Only a prior consultation with the physician in which the consent is signed.
• No waiting days are needed between the counseling session and the vasectomy.
• There is a script with the questions the doctors should ask the men.

Vasectomy cost:

• $1,500 and $2,500 dollars

Does the country’s public system offer free vasectomies?

• Yes, it is included in the Comprehensive Health Care Plan (PIAS).

Does the country’s social security system perform vasectomies?

• The public system meets the needs.

Promoting vasectomy campaigns:

• Does not exist.

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors.
• Inspire 100 vasectomies.
• Develop alliance with APLAFAM.
• Share content. Launch nationwide social media campaign

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors.
• Inspire 100 vasectomies.
• Develop alliance with APLAFAM.
• Share content.
• Launch nationwide social media campaign.

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors.
• Inspire 20 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 10 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 100 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 20 vasectomy doctors
• Develop partnership between Marie Stopes Uganda and WVD
• Inspire 100 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 100 vasectomy doctors
• Connect with 100 clinics
• 4000 vasectomies
• Share content
• Partner with MSI

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctors
• Connect with 5 clinics
• 100 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 100 vasectomy doctors
• Connect with 100 clinics
• 5000 vasectomies
• Share content
• Partner with DKT India

Goals:

• Sign up 10 vasectomy doctors
• Connect with 10 clinics
• 100 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 10 vasectomy doctors
• 100 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 5 vasectomy doctor
• 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 10 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 200 vasectomies
• Share content
• Collaborate on social media campaign with MSI

Goals:

• Sign up 1 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 10 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 3 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 5 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 10 vasectomy doctors
• Inspire 25 vasectomies
• Share content
• Collaborate with DKT

Goals:

• Sign up 1 vasectomy doctor
• Inspire 3 vasectomies
• Share content

Goals:

• Sign up 1 vasectomy doctor
• Inspire 3 vasectomies
• Share content