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Sterilisation at caesarean consent — DFSRH MCQ

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HardSterilisationSterilisation at caesarean consentDFSRH

A 33-year-old at 38 weeks' gestation requests sterilisation during an elective caesarean tomorrow. This is the first time she has mentioned it; she is anxious after a difficult clinic visit and her partner is pressing for agreement. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Defer sterilisation and provide antenatal/postpartum contraception counselling

Sterilisation requires informed, voluntary consent with adequate time for reflection; pressure and first request immediately before surgery are red flags. Deferring irreversible surgery while offering effective reversible contraception is safer. Partner consent is neither required nor sufficient.

Reference: FSRH Male and Female Sterilisation Guidance; GMC Consent Guidance