Dr. Caitriona Henchion:

Historically, there would have been ethical committees in hospitals in which those operations were performed. Those committees would have said women had to meet criteria in order to qualify for sterilisation. In reality, the point is that it is now between the woman and her doctor but it is a permanent method and the woman cannot change her mind. The effectiveness of it is no greater than, for example, having a Mirena coil fitted. We would generally much prefer to recommend that they have a Mirena coil so that they are at liberty to change their minds at any stage in the future.