For women, sterilization is usually done as tubal ligation, a minimally invasive surgery where the Fallopian tubes are cut and tied off. For men, it’s the vasectomy, a procedure in which the vas deferens is cut and tied. This procedure is used by about 28 million men worldwide.

Family planning advocates, who prefer the term “permanent contraception” to “sterilization,” say it is effective, low-risk and inexpensive, as well as empowering to women. For insights, Goats and Soda talked with John Townsend, director of reproductive health at the Population Council in Washington, D.C.

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