A bill that could lead to convicted sex offenders being ordered to have a vasectomy has been filed for the regular session.
Rep. Delisha Boyd (D-New Orleans) said she’s proposing this added punishment for sex offenders because Louisiana’s abortion ban does not allow exceptions for rape or incest, and she believes a vasectomy is needed for men who have a history of sexually assaulting women.
“Something has to be done to be proactive and protect women,” said Boyd.
A vasectomy is a medical procedure that cuts the supply of sperm to semen and acts as a form of birth control. When asked why she opted for a vasectomy versus castration which is the complete removal of the testicles, Boyd said it is because vasectomies can be reversed if necessary.
“In our criminal system, we don’t always get it right. If DNA evidence later proves that this person was found not guilty or not responsible, a vasectomy can be reversed,” said Boyd.
Boyd said House Bill 166 is simple and gets straight to the point.
“I run what I believe is great legislation, needed legislation, and hopefully when people read it, they’ll understand and vote the way they’re supposed to,” said Boyd.
The regular legislative session begins Monday.
Boyd’s bill is among the more than 1,000 bills filed for the session.
