Most Australians, with the support of a doctor, are able to make an informed choice about having a vasectomy or tubal ligation. But if you have a significant intellectual disability, someone—a parent or guardian—can decide this for you. Concerns have been raised surrounding the legality of these procedures, particularly when guardians travel overseas for sterilisation operations to bypass legal requirements here. In 2012, a Senate Inquiry was launched to look at the issue of involuntary or coerced sterilisation of people with disabilities. Seven months on, the Senate committee has released its report.

Guest: Senator Sue Boyce, Queensland Liberal National Senator and disability advocate