Lovers for the chop 1

Fundraising | 7 Feb 2008

London, 14 February. Two enraptured lovers have completed a romantic candlelit dinner. The food was delightful, a half-finished bottle of wine glistens in the moonlight, and the divine melodies of a violinist’s table-side serenade linger strong in the memory.

The only sound that penetrates the peaceful tranquillity of the night is the snip of the surgical scissors as the vasa deferentia of this handsome beau are cut for the purpose of sterilisation.

For those stuck for ideas this Valentine’s day, Marie Stopes International (MSI) is offering a discount on the perfect gift. Book before 1 May and the charity will lop £50 off the price of a surgical vasectomy.

As part of the package, the sexual health charity is offering men a special Valentine card to give to their partner bearing the message: “I promise to book myself a Valentine vasectomy”.

Participants will also be entered into a prize draw to win £100 towards a candlelit dinner for two at a restaurant of their choice.

The charity said several individuals have already signed up, while similar promotions in previous years have seen dozens of men come forward to take the cut. Vasectomies normally cost between £400 and £550 depending on the anaesthetic chosen.

“Vasectomy is a quick and simple procedure already chosen by 13 per cent of British men,” says MSI’s marketing manager Julie Douglas. “It’s a very effective method of contraception for couples whose families are complete.”

Douglas added that the campaign is also aimed at promoting women’s health.

“Many women take responsibility for contraception within a partnership but there are risks involved for women over the age of 35 who continue to use hormonal contraception, like the pill, particularly if they’re overweight or smokers.

“Once the family is complete, by agreeing to have a vasectomy a man can show that he truly cares for his partner’s welfare – and without the worry of unplanned pregnancy it can also improve their sex life.”

Directory: Marie Stopes International

Place a comment

John Burnell
13 Feb 2008

There should be no need for any charity to offer a vasectomy and have to charge for it. I had mine done on the NHS 25 years ago, and surely this should be as true today, with contraception being a service that is always free at the point of delivery.

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