Surgeries that include sterilization which includes, voluntary vasectomies, the tying of fallopian tubes, or premature hysterectomies, are all serious matters which include moral, spiritual, and physiological ramifications. In Genisis 1:28 we are given a commandment,

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

To multiply and replenish the earth is God’s primordial instruction. Latter-day Saints believe that the powers of procreation is to be kept within the binds of marriage, as well as being a spiritual obligation in which they will be held accountable for. Any impediment or interference with this sacred commandment may warrant God’s judgment. The only means by which sterilization is approved is either,

1. Where medical conditions seriously jeopardize life or health.

2. Where birth defects or serious trauma have rendered a person mentally incompetent and not responsible for his or her actions.

The action of sterilization must be determined by a medical judgment as well as in accordance with the law. it’s not only important to discuss these decisions with your spouse or family, but also with your bishop and council through prayer.

Church leaders have advise its married members not to resort to any type of practice that could lead to destroy the powers of procreation. The First Presidency Declared, “We seriously deplore the fact that members of the Church would voluntarily take measures to render themselves incapable of further procreation” (p. 11-5).