Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control regarded as one of the most effective at
preventing pregnancies. The Stop Violence Against Women organization defines sterilization as
the permanent removal of one’s ability to reproduce without informed consent. Sterilization was
compulsory in the United States before the eugenic laws were removed. Other options of birth
control mostly used by the governments are Depo-Provera, IUDs and Norplant. Although
sterilization would be the best option for convicted parents, the government cannot be able to do
it forcefully because it contravenes human rights.

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines child abuse as an act
that results to physical, psychological, emotional or even death of a minor. According to the
American Civil Liberties Union, any forceful form of birth control to inmates is a violation of
their right to reproductive autonomy (Finkelman, 2018). The World Health Organization (2014),
observes that sterilization should only be provided with free, full and informed consent of an
individual. Convicted parents should be allowed to make reproductive decisions by themselves
and not being forcefully sterilized. Parents who successfully serve a jail term might want to get
children and therefore sterilization would deny them an opportunity to reproduce. The
government should recognize that it is the right of parents to avoid a pregnancy or pursue a
pregnancy when convenient.
In conclusion, forced sterilization is a violation of the reproductive freedoms of convicted
parents. The government is not above the law and should therefore be sensitive to the
reproductive freedoms of convicted parents. World Health Organization is among organizations
championing for complete elimination of forced sterilization. Regardless of the form of child
abuse, the court should decide whether to imprison, fine or terminate the parental rights fine or terminate the parental rights.

Use MLA referencing style