The following case study will examine the legal and ethical issues surrounding the growing number of disabled women and girls subject to sterilization. A recent article was published highlighting the controversy surrounding sterilization as it relates to parental rights and child autonomy. Legal issues that will be examined in more detail in this case study include the following: the facts described in the news article, the possible defenses raised in a legal proceeding, and the possible outcomes that could result. The ethical issues that will be examined are: the ethical issues that might arise regarding sterilization, where and why these conflicts would arise, and how the ethical issues might be addressed and resolved for the benefit of the individual. Although the nature of this case study may be controversial and based on personal and moral values, this report strives to present current facts based on the literature surrounding the sterilization of women and girls with disabilities. LEGAL ISSUES Legal issues presented in the recently published news article. “Rise in sterilizations worries Disability Commissioner” outlines a range of legal implications regarding the sterilization of disabled women and girls. In a legal action against a minor or a disabled person, several legal factors may be cited to support or defend a sterilization procedure. Human Right Watch states: “Sterilization is an irreversible medical procedure with profound physical and psychological effects. Forced sterilization is an act of violence, a form of social control and a violation of the right to be free from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The question of s...... middle of paper ......e is at stake. These elements should be taken into account for the sterilization procedure to be considered ethical.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, this case study has studied the legal and ethical issues surrounding the growing number of sterilized women and girls with disabilities. The information was analyzed from a recent press article; we now see that the subject of sterilization is a controversial issue and raises multiple legal and ethical issues. Major issues include the seriousness of a sterilization procedure and its long-term effects on the individual, the human rights of the child in today's society and finally the rights to autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence. After an in-depth study of the current literature, it appears that further assessments, research and evaluation are needed regarding the topic of sterilization among girls with disabilities..