New sterilization regs lengthen waiting time to 30 days

New sterilization regulations lengthen waiting time to 30 days, from the previous 72 hours required by regulations issued in 1974. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) Secretary Califano said the regulations "strictly" limit the se of federal funds "to sterilizations for individuals who knowingly and freely consent to them and prohibit HEW funding of coerced and uninformed sterilizations or of sterilizations based on hasty decisions." Califano said th compliance with the regulations will be rigidly monitored and that HEW is instituting a bilingual education program to make certain they are understood. The new regulations include a detailed HEW-approved consent form requiring certification by medical personnel that the patient has received, both in writing and orally, an explanation of the operation, advice about alternate forms of birth control, and assurances that no federal benefits will be lost if sterilization is refused. The 30-day waiting period between the time consent is given and the operation is performed can be waived in cases of premature delivery and emergency abdominal surgery. To reduce chances of the operation being chosen under duress, consent cannot be obtained from anyone in labor, under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or seeking or obtaining an abortion. Interpreters must be provided where language barriers exist and special arrangements are required for handicapped persons. Funds cannot be provided for hysterectomies performed for sterilization purposes. Patients undergoing hysterectomies for medical reasons must be advised orally and in writing that sterilization will result. The new regulations, to take effect in 90 days, also eliminate the distinction between therapeutic and nontherapeutic sterilization and provide that safeguards be applied uniformly to all federally funded sterilizations. Sterilization funding will not be available for prisoners or those confined to mental hospitals or other rehabilitative facilities. The prohibition against using federal funds for sterilization of mentally incompetent persons and those under 21 years of age continues.