Inclusion of vasectomy in family planning guidelines/strategies, regulations, or policies Inclusion of vasectomy in family planning guidelines/strategies, regulations, or policies Definition: In countries with formal family planning (FP) or reproductive health guidelines, strategies, regulations or policies, this indicator assesses whether vasectomies are specifically included in these documents, and to what extent. In addition, these documents should be evaluated to make sure they are technically sound, based on scientific evidence, and grounded in informed choice. The assessment should include the extent to which the national FP strategy or policy has a strategic or long-range plan in place to increase access to and use of long-acting/permanent methods, including vasectomy. To measure changes over time, the indicator should consider only those policies developed or modified during a specific reference period, such as the last calendar year. Data Requirement(s): Document review or policy analysis for evidence that vasectomy services are included in a country’s FP or health policy documents. This indicator can be disaggregated by stage (proposed, drafted, or adopted). Data Source(s): Actual guideline, strategy, regulation or policy document with evidence of approval (or submission for approval). They appear in constitutional provisions; legislation; implementing rules and regulations; executive orders; ministerial level decrees, and other measures of a regulatory nature (including related regulations and enforcement mechanisms); official goals and plan programs; statements and other formally documented government directives; standards; guidelines; and decrees. A content analysis of the documents should include level (e.g., national, provincial, district). Purpose: The inclusion of vasectomies in formal policy statements reflects a country’s recognition of and commitment to effective FP options. It also signifies a recognition of male involvement in FP. Issue(s): Macro-level policies, laws, councils, and programs do not guarantee vasectomy service availability and quality. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that any policy review include operational policies such as standards of practices, codes, regulations, protocols, etc. Keywords: family planning, long-acting/permanent methods (LAPM), policy, male engagement Filed under: Family Planning, FP, FP/RH, Indicators, LAPM, male engagement, men’s health, policy, Reproductive Health, RH
