Non-therapeutic sterilisation

N NHS Trust v DE and Others [2013] EWHC 2562 (Fam)

In this first case in the UK, the court made orders permitting the sterilisation for non-therapeutic reasons of a man who was unable to consent to such a procedure. The judge found that a vasectomy was in the man’s best interests under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, as he did not want any more children. The procedure would allow him to continue his long-term relationship with the mother of his child and would restore his independence.