Ask the Doctor

From Jon:-
Can I obtain insurance against a vasectomy failure. If so how much and from where. Apparently it cost’s at least $150,000 to raise a child, so about $300,000 should do. I am going to have the procedure and would really consider this coverage. I can not find any information about this on the net.

Reply from webmaster:-
I’ve never heard of this! I would doubt if it’s something insurable on the grounds that there is a known risk of failure – even if it is very small. Besides, as long as you are warned there is a risk of failure before the procedure, the doctor is covered. In the cases where patients have tried to sue for failed vasectomy, this has always been a key factor, and even if it can be established that the doctor didn’t warn of the risk, courts have tended to regard the baby as a “Blessing”, and not awarded damages anyway.

But the good news is that vasectomy is still the most reliable method of birth control available. Just be careful to follow the instructions regarding submitting samples to prove you are clear. Most post-vasectomy babies are as a result of having unprotected sex before being cleared. Late recanalization (spontaneous rejoining of the vas deferens) is pretty rare. If you feel uncertain, you can always ask your doctor for another test at a year or so just to put your mind at rest.