Why I'm Considering a Vasectomy (Change My Mind)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal journey and rationale for considering a vasectomy, addressing why they don't want to have biological children or procreate. They explore the pros and cons of different options, including freezing sperm, and explain their preference for a permanent decision. The speaker acknowledges the possibility of future regret but emphasizes their commitment to locking in their choice. They also discuss societal norms and the challenges of finding a surgeon willing to perform the procedure. Ultimately, they invite feedback and perspectives from viewers, offering a thoughtful reflection on a deeply personal decision.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is considering getting a vasectomy as a way to prevent having biological children, with a decision deadline of July 1, 2021.
• 😀 The speaker is not anti-natalist but is specifically exploring the idea of a vasectomy for someone who doesn't want to procreate, rather than focusing on reasons to avoid having children altogether.
• 😀 The three main options the speaker is considering are: 1) not getting a vasectomy, 2) getting a vasectomy but freezing sperm, and 3) getting a vasectomy without freezing sperm, with the speaker leaning toward option 3.
• 😀 Freezing sperm is seen as counterproductive, as it provides an option to change their mind, which the speaker doesn't want, as it would contradict the decision to lock in a permanent choice.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that the opportunity cost of having a child is enormous, both in financial terms (up to $400,000 in Australia) and in terms of personal time and energy.
• 😀 If there were a surgery to prevent adoption in the future, the speaker would opt for it, but since adoption is still a possibility, the focus is on avoiding biological procreation.
• 😀 The speaker is public about this decision to normalize discussions on vasectomies, similar to promoting other social causes like charity donation, veganism, and anti-racism.
• 😀 There's a societal tendency, especially among women, to assume that the speaker will change their mind about having children, but the speaker sees this as unlikely, equating the decision to being as firm as their commitment to veganism and other ethical choices.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges the potential for regret in the future but still views the vasectomy as a way to resist biological urges and lock in a decision to not have children, even if they later change their mind.
• 😀 The process of getting a vasectomy can be challenging due to medical and legal barriers, including potential requirements to prove sound mental health and accept responsibility for future regret, though the speaker is willing to navigate these obstacles if necessary.

Q & A

Why is the speaker considering a vasectomy?

The speaker is considering a vasectomy because they do not want children or to procreate. They view the procedure as a way to lock in their decision and eliminate the risk of accidental pregnancies in the future.

Why is the speaker discussing such a private matter publicly?

The speaker discusses the matter publicly to share their personal decision and rationale with others, as well as to encourage feedback. They also view this as a way to challenge societal norms about having children and promote the idea of not procreating.

What are the three options the speaker considers for someone who does not want children?

The three options are: 1) Not getting a vasectomy at all, 2) Getting a vasectomy but freezing sperm to keep the option of having biological children open, and 3) Getting a vasectomy without freezing sperm, which is the option the speaker is planning to choose.

What is the speaker's reasoning behind choosing not to freeze sperm?

The speaker believes freezing sperm would defeat the purpose of getting a vasectomy, as it would leave open the option to change their mind about having biological children in the future, which they want to avoid.

How does the speaker view the possibility of changing their mind about having children?

The speaker acknowledges the possibility of changing their mind but believes the likelihood of this happening is low. They compare this decision to their commitment to donating a fixed amount of money every year, aiming to future-proof themselves against potential regret.

What are the financial and time-related reasons the speaker gives for not having children?

The speaker highlights that raising a child is costly (around $400,000 in Australia) and requires thousands of hours, which they believe could be better spent on projects like charity donations, career development, and other impactful activities.

What does the speaker think about the possibility of reversing a vasectomy?

The speaker notes that while a vasectomy can be technically reversible, the success rate is low, and it should be considered a permanent decision. They actually view the possibility of reversal as a downside, as they want to lock themselves in without leaving options open.

What challenges does the speaker mention in obtaining a vasectomy in New South Wales?

The speaker mentions that finding a doctor willing to perform a vasectomy on someone who hasn’t had children is often difficult, and there may be legal or psychological hurdles to clear, including the need for approval from doctors or psychologists.

Why does the speaker feel that societal norms around procreation should be challenged?

The speaker believes that promoting the choice to not procreate, as well as decisions like getting a vasectomy, should be normalized in society. They argue that less procreation can lead to a reduction in suffering and that this message should be part of promoting good social norms.

How does the speaker address negative public reactions about getting a vasectomy?

The speaker acknowledges that there has been negative press, especially surrounding vegan activists wanting vasectomies, but they clarify that their decision is motivated by a desire to reduce suffering and that the criticism of their choice reflects more on the critics than on their reasoning.