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30 Days Out: Medicaid and Consent to Sterilization in the US - Sarah Rodriguez | Katie Watson | Chloe Matovina

Thursday, May 29, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM CT
Robert H Lurie Medical Research Center, 1st floor/Searle Room, 303 E. Superior, Chicago, IL 60611 map it

The Master of Arts in Medical Humanities & Bioethics Program

Presents

A Montgomery Lecture

With

Panelists:

Sarah B. Rodriguez, PhD
Associate Professor of Instruction, Global Health Studies
Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences
Lecturer, Medical Education, Feinberg School of Medicine
Faculty, Graduate Program in Medical Humanities & Bioethics

Katie Watson, JD
Professor of Medical Education, Medical Social Sciences, and OB/GYN
Faculty, Graduate Program in Medical Humanities & Bioethics
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Chloe Matovina, MD, MA
OB/GYN Resident
Alum, MD/MA in Medical Humanities &
Bioethics Dual-Degree Program
Northwestern Medicine

30 Days Out: Medicaid and Consent to Sterilization in the US 

Since the 1970s, people insured by Medicaid who want a tubal ligation or vasectomy need to consent to a sterilization at least 30 days before the procedure. This rule was inspired by a history of unconsented sterilizations and designed to prevent future abuse. Performing a tubal ligation at the time of delivery is the safest and most efficient practice for pregnant people who will be finished with their childbearing after they deliver and want the procedure, yet in practice the 30-day rule has prevented some patients insured by Medicaid from getting this standard-of-care treatment package. Some argue this waiting period is no longer clinically or ethically justifiable, and obstetrician objections to this policy have escalated in recent years. A reproductive rights attorney, a reproductive health historian, and a second-year OBGYN resident will discuss historical, clinical, and legal aspects of this waiting period, and consider arguments for removing and keeping it.

This lecture is open to the public and will be held in the Searle Seminar Room in the Lurie Research Building (303 E Superior), Chicago Campus. For those outside the Chicago area and anyone who would prefer to attend remotely, a Zoom option is also available.

**REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ZOOM ATTENDANCE ONLY**
REGISTER HERE

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Cost: Free. Registration is required only for Zoom attendance.

Audience

  • Faculty/Staff
  • Student
  • Public
  • Post Docs/Docs
  • Graduate Students

Contact

Myria Knox
(312) 503-7962
Email

Interest

  • Academic (general)

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