Tubal Ligation Laws by State 2026

Tubal ligation, commonly known as “getting one’s tubes tied,” is a permanent form of birth control. Comparing requirements across states requires distinguishing consent laws from Medicaid coverage rules and provider policies. These are different kinds of requirements and should not be treated as interchangeable.

A minimum age listed in a public-funding policy may describe eligibility for payment rather than the legal minimum for every procedure. An age threshold in a Medicaid rule does not, by itself, establish that all privately funded procedures below that age are prohibited.

Alaska: Medicaid Payment Requirements

Alaska’s 7 AAC 110.415 — Sterilization by a Physician states that the department will pay for physician-performed sterilization only when the recipient is at least 21 and the rule’s other requirements are met. The Alaska Legislature’s official section text confirms requirements for informed consent and ordinarily an interval of 30–180 days between signing consent and the procedure, with specified exceptions.

These are Medicaid coverage and payment conditions. The cited section does not state a general ban on all privately funded tubal-ligation procedures for people under 21. Consent laws and provider policies raise separate questions from whether Medicaid will reimburse a procedure.

New Jersey: Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare Coverage Requirements

New Jersey’s N.J.A.C. 10:54-5.41 — Sterilization; General addresses coverage of sterilization procedures for Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries. In the state’s compilation covering regulations published through June 16, 2025, subsection (c) requires the individual to be at least 21 when consent is obtained, to give voluntary informed consent, and to meet the rule’s other eligibility and documentation requirements.

Ordinarily, at least 30 days but no more than 180 days must pass between informed consent and sterilization. Emergency abdominal surgery and premature delivery have specified exceptions, including a minimum 72-hour interval; for premature delivery, consent must also have been given at least 30 days before the expected delivery date. These are program coverage requirements, not a general minimum-age rule for every privately funded tubal-ligation procedure in New Jersey.