Chairperson of the Gender and Child Studies Center of IPB University Responds to the Issue of Vasectomy as a Condition for Receiving Social Assistance
The proposal to make vasectomy a requirement for receiving social assistance (bansos) has sparked controversy in society. The Chairperson of the Gender and Child Studies Center of IPB University, Dr. Yulina Eva Riany, also provided her response to this issue.
According to Dr Eva, the policy linking vasectomy to the receipt of social assistance has the potential to violate fundamental principles of human rights and voluntariness in the Family Planning (KB) program.
“Medical actions such as vasectomy should be voluntary, not coercive, especially not made a prerequisite for receiving assistance,” she stated on Wednesday (22/5).
In addition, she expressed that the principle of using contraceptive methods should also be adjusted to the needs and health conditions of each couple.
She emphasized the importance of returning to family principles in formulating public policies, especially those touching on the private sphere of society. “The principles of sakinah, mawaddah, warahmah in the family must be the foundation, namely creating a harmonious household, full of love, and mutual respect,” she explained.
Furthermore, Dr Eva stressed the need to encourage shared responsibility within the family, including in decision-making related to family planning programs. She also reminded that national policies should support family welfare without neglecting individual rights.
She highlighted the importance of instilling family values from an early age, both through formal and informal channels. “The family is a place to grow, not a burden. Becoming a parent is a conscious choice of noble value that must be prepared thoughtfully and collectively,” she added.
By placing the family at the center of policy considerations, Dr Eva hopes that society can face social and economic challenges more wisely, while still maintaining the integrity and welfare of Indonesian families. (dh) (IAAS/KMR).
