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Question submitted for topics Contraception, Law

At what age can I be sterilized?

In Austria, sterilization is permitted from the age of 26 without any ifs or buts. I would like to have an abortion in Switzerland. At what age is this legally permitted? Thank you.

Question submitted on 14. November 2020 by Bregenzer

Corinne Rietmann says

Deine Sexpertin von GummiLove

The following applies under Swiss law:

Art. 3 Sterilization of persons under the age of 18
The sterilization of a person under the age of 18 is prohibited. Article 7 remains reserved.

Art. 5 Sterilization of persons capable of judgement
1 The sterilization of a person over the age of 18 who is capable of judgement may only be carried out if they have been fully informed about the procedure and have freely consented to it in writing.

2 Whoever performs the procedure must record in the medical history the findings on the basis of which they have concluded that the person concerned has capacity.

However, clinics often only perform sterilization from the age of 30. That's why you need to find a doctor or hospital who will declare that you are capable of judgment and who will also state in writing that you clearly know what you want and are aware of the consequences.

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