Sterilization of minors with developmental disabilities

Sterilization of persons with developmental disabilities has often been per formed without appropriate regard for their decision-making capacities, abi lities to care for children, feelings, or interests. In addition, steriliza tion sometimes has been performed with the mistaken belief that it will pre vent expressions of sexuality, diminish the chances of sexual exploitation, or reduce the likelihood of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. A dec ision to pursue sterilization of someone with developmental disabilities re quires a careful assessment of the individual's capacity to make decisions, the consequences of reproduction for the person and any child that might b e born, the alternative means available to address the consequences of sexu al maturation, and the applicable local, state, and federal laws. Pediatric ians can facilitate good decision-making by raising these issues at the ons et of puberty.