Iranian MPs vote to ban vasectomies, punish contraception advocates
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 11 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iranian MPs vote to ban vasectomies, punish contraception advocates, 11 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003ed25.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 11, 2014
Iran's parliament has voted to ban vasectomies and other permanent forms of birth control in an attempt to increase the country's birthrate.
The legislation would ban vasectomies and impose punishments for encouraging contraceptive services and abortions.
It was approved by lawmakers on August 10.
The bill will be sent to conservative clerics on Iran's Guardian Council to examine whether it complies with Islamic rules.
Supporters of the legislation say it will help to bolster Iran's declining population.
However, reformists criticize it as a drive by conservatives to keep highly educated women in traditional roles as wives and mothers.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged people to have more children to increase Iran's population, and to counter Western lifestyles.
Abortion is legal in Iran if the mother faces serious health problems, or if the fetus is diagnosed with certain defects.
Based on reporting by Reuters and RFE/RL's Radio Farda
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
