Planned Parenthood has introduced vasectomy services at its Massachusetts locations, responding to a notable increase in requests since the 2024 election of President Trump. This initiative aims to expand birth control options for men and began on February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day.
The procedures will be performed exclusively at the Worcester location, with the organization planning to conduct up to a dozen vasectomies monthly. According to Dr. Luu Ireland, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, two men successfully underwent the procedure on the first day of service.
Demand for permanent contraception has surged in recent years, particularly following the Supreme Court’s decision to end the federal guarantee of the right to an abortion. Dr. Ireland emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in family planning, stating, “We are very, very lucky that we live in a time where we have dozens of birth control options… but unfortunately, the vast majority of those options bear the responsibility on the woman in the relationship.”
The vasectomy procedure provides couples with the opportunity to control their reproductive future more equitably. Interested individuals can schedule a consultation at any of Planned Parenthood’s four Massachusetts locations. The surgeries are performed once a month at the Worcester site, with a capacity to handle 10 to 12 procedures each month.
As of now, five appointments have already been booked for March. The average cost of a vasectomy is approximately $700, and many insurance plans, including MassHealth, typically cover the expense. Planned Parenthood also offers discounts and sliding scale payment options to ensure access to these services.
This expansion of services reflects a broader trend towards male participation in contraceptive responsibilities, providing additional choices for couples navigating their family planning decisions.
