Evaluation of mentally retarded persons for sterilization: Contributions and limits of psychological consultation

As a result of recent changes in legal standards governing sterilization of mentally retarded persons, psychologists may be asked to perform evaluations regarding petitions for sterilization. Specifically, according to the standard established by the In re Hayes decision, opinions of psychologists may be sought regarding the mentally retarded individual's competence to consent to sterilization, the association of a given syndrome with sterility, the likelihood of the individual's becoming sexually active, his/her parental competence and competence in use of contraceptives, trainability in menstrual hygiene, and the probability of scientific advances that might render the need for sterilization moot. Research relevant to these questions is reviewed, and it is suggested that psychologists may be of most help in consulting on alternatives to sterilization. Careful attention should be given to the moral and legal dimensions of the problem, and psychologists should be careful not to overstep the limits of their expertise. (42 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).