Health

Planned Parenthood rolls out vasectomies at Mass. health centers

A playful Valentine’s Day announcement unveiled the long-requested service.

The Boston Health Center at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

February 20, 2026 | 2:01 PM

2 minutes to read

In a cheeky Valentine’s Day reveal, the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is now offering vasectomies, a procedure it says patients have been asking for again and again.

The safe, simple surgery is about 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, the organization noted.

“For many of our patients, getting care that gives them control of their fertility and ability to plan their future is a joyful experience,” said Dr. Luu Ireland, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, in a statement.

To get the message out, Planned Parenthood handed out Vasectomy Valentine’s Day Cards at local businesses across the state.

One card had the message of “Roses are red, condoms are great, Planned Parenthood now offers vasectomy. How’s that for a date?”

Message reads, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, Vasectomies stop sperm from getting through.” Courtesy of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts

“With this campaign, we’re showing that getting the birth control that works best for you and your family is an act of joy and love,” Dr. Ireland said.

A scientific report found that demand for permanent contraception, such as vasectomies and tubal ligation, has significantly increased since the Dobbs decision overturned federal abortion protections in June 2022.

The demand, the organization said, has only increased in the last year as attacks and restrictions on abortion and other sexual and reproductive health services increase nationwide.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America reported that on Nov. 6, 2024, the day after Donald Trump was reelected president, bookings for vasectomies across its affiliates offering the service increased by 1,200%.

“Birth control is for and is used by people of all genders,” Dr. Ireland said. “By offering vasectomy, we are providing men and people who carry sperm an option for long-term contraception while also eroding the idea that pregnancy prevention falls just on people who can get pregnant. It’s for all of us.”

The first vasectomy procedures began on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14.

Interested patients must book an in-person vasectomy consultation at any of Planned Parenthood’s four health centers in Boston, Worcester, Marlborough, and Springfield before getting the procedure.

At this time, Planned Parenthood is only offering the vasectomy procedures at the Worcester location.

Other Planned Parenthood clinics around the country already offer vasectomies. In New England, the procedure is available at two health centers in New Hampshire, two in Vermont, and one in Maine.

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is the state’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion. The center has promoted sexual health for more than 90 years.