Husband or Wife? A Multivariate Analysis of Decision Making for Voluntary Sterilization

The increasing popularity of sterilization as a contraceptive choice among married couples underscores the need for knowledge about differences between couples choosing male and female procedures. Data from national surveys suggest some sociodemographic differences, but these variables account for only a small amount of the variance. This research looks at other sets of variables—specifically, information sources, influence sources, and reasons husbands and wives give for wanting sterilization—in a multivariate analysis of the choice of a male versus a female operation. Particularly for husbands obtaining a vasectomy, the importance of social support is demonstrated.