Andie asked Lois McMaster Bujold:

Hello! A question about contraceptive implants on Barrayar - could women make these medical decisions for themselves, or was a husband or father's permission required? (To either get, or remove, the implant?) This might influence decisions for certain of my favourite couples who are betrothed but not yet married. There are references such as "observing the traditions, at least, as far as Mama and Da know ..." TY!

Lois McMaster Bujold The answer to this question would have changed through time and local polities (countships). Before the end of the Time of Isolation, it wasn't a question that could even be asked, as the tech did not exist. The disruptions of the Occupation and its war would have prevented anyone focusing on such issues, but the tech would have been leaking slowly out from the more to the less developed areas. In general, it's something that would be left to families, not taken up in legislatures -- this could be good or bad.

The law tended to skirt around "women's work". So it's more likely any permissions would be the purview of the mother rather than the father, for girls. Remember, minor girls are by default in the legal custody of their mothers, not their fathers.

By Gregor's reign, empire-wide "galactic standard", i.e., Cordelia-driven, customs of leaving the decision to individuals (so yes, the women) would prevail. (And do remember, that's not the only contraceptive on the market, tho' likely the most reliable -- older methods would also remain in circulation.) Celibacy (for women) would remain a lingering social ideal long after it had become medically moot, I expect. The way it does.

Ta, L.

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