Rates of Female Sterilization, Vasectomy, and LARC Placement Before and After the Dobbs Decision: A Retrospective Cohort Study [ID 2683404

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Immediately after the Dobbs decision in Ohio, abortion was restricted after detection of a fetal heartbeat. The objective of this study was to characterize changes in utilization of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and permanent sterilization (PS) after the abrupt enactment of restrictive abortion legislation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of female and male patients aged 15–55 who underwent permanent sterilization (tubal ligation, salpingectomy, vasectomy) or LARC placement (IUD, contraceptive implant) at a large Northeast Ohio hospital system from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022; 6 months before and after Dobbs. Contraception procedure volumes were compared, and patient characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: Pre-Dobbs, 4,247 procedures were identified among females, including 725 (17.1%) PS and 7,449 (81.3%) LARC. Post-Dobbs, the total number of female procedures increased by 15.5% (4,916) and there was a significant increase in the proportion of PS procedures, representing 20.1% of all female procedures (P<.001). Males showed a similar trend, with vasectomies rising from 1,193 to 1,590 procedures. Post-Dobbs, patients undergoing procedures were younger (women, 30.9 years [24.5, 36.8] versus 31.5 [25.2, 36.9]; P=.011; men, 36.6 years [32.9, 39.6] versus 37.2 [34.2, 40.4]; P<.001). Among patients undergoing procedures post-Dobbs, the proportion that reported single relationship status significantly increased for women (57.4% versus 55.9%; P=.028) and men (23.0% versus 18.1%; P=.002). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates increased utilization of LARC and PS following the Dobbs decision. This rise in PS and demographic changes implies concerns about abortion access, especially among younger reproductive-aged patients. Further research is warranted to understand the driving factors behind these trends.