Section 50.203 - Sterilization of a mentally competent individual aged 21 or olderPrograms or projects to which this subpart applies shall perform or arrange for the performance of sterilization of an individual only if the following requirements have been met:
(a) The individual is at least 21 years old at the time consent is obtained.(b) The individual is not a mentally incompetent individual.(c) The individual has voluntarily given his or her informed consent in accordance with the procedures of § 50.204 of this subpart.(d) At least 30 days but not more than 180 days have passed between the date of informed consent and the date of the sterilization, except in the case of premature delivery or emergency abdominal surgery. An individual may consent to be sterilized at the time of premature delivery or emergency abdominal surgery, if at least 72 hours have passed after he or she gave informed consent to sterilization. In the case of premature delivery, the informed consent must have been given at least 30 days before the expected date of delivery.