In California, individuals can sign a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Because of the broad legal powers conferred upon the attorney in fact, an individual should carefully consider and review all provisions of the durable power of attorney for health care or consult with an attorney before executing a power of attorney. The United States Supreme Court ruled that competent persons have a constitutional right to refuse heroic medical treatment, although a state may require clear and convincing proof of that patient's intent before allowing life-support systems to be removed. D. Sterilization Of Disabled People Sterilization is a medical procedure which makes a person permanently unable to have children. Both men and women can be sterilized.
Voluntary sterilization is legal in California with the individual's full knowledge and consent.
Disabled people who are able to give consent to medical treatment may not be sterilized without their consent. Developmentally disabled people who are unable to give consent may be sterilized only by court order. Before a court can order sterilization, a hearing must be held. The developmentally disabled person must be represented at this hearing by a lawyer. Sterilization will only be permitted if necessary to maximize the person's development and quality of life and if no other less drastic means of birth control are available.