Expert: Elie - 2/28/2005

Question
Hi and thank you for allowing me to ask a question. I will try to keep it short and simple.
I have had 2 abortions several years ago, both pregnancies were accidents and I concieved while using birth control. My husband was very supportive in my decision.
We do not want children at all, ever, and I am on the birth control patch. There is a lot of cancer in my family and I would like to get away from hormonal BC. The copper implant is not an option for me and I want something permanent. I would like to get Essure (similar results to getting a tubal) done but doctors refuse me saying I am not capable of making this decision at 25. If I am capable of making a decision about abortion, why can I not make a decision about my long term reproductive health? I can fight and die for my country, which calls itself free, but I can't take charge of my reproductive life?
SO my question is, why is it that a woman can recieve multiple abortions but not get her tubes tied?
I asked my doctor this and he said he is afraid of getting sued later, but shouldn't he be just as afraid if he is Rx'ing me hormonal BC and it causes breast cancer later?
Thanks for your help, these things make no sense to me. Also if you know of a DR that can help I live in NJ and would be willing to travel.

Answer
Ms. Scott:

Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I am absolutely enraged that you had to go through this, I'm so sorry. You are completely right that no one should be able to tell you what to do with your body, particularly those who claim to be "pro-choice".

I talked to a doctor today who will do the procedure for anyone who is a legal adult and signs the consent form.  He is located in New York City. His office is in Manhattan, but the procedure would be done in a hospital in Brooklyn.  

Here's his information:

Dr. Seckin
872 5th Avenue
New York, NY
Tel: 212-988-1444

If for ANY reason that doesn't work out, the best thing for you to do is to call the Essure Corporation's information number. They will give you as many referrals as you want for providers closer to your zipcode. I got the referral to Dr. Seckin by calling Essure.

Essure Information # is: 1-877-ESSURE1 (1-877-377-8731)

all the best,

Eliyanna