I don’t often leave hospital with a huge smile on my face. But, this week, I practically sailed through the Outpatients door knowing that, at last, my four-year battle with the NHS was over.

As a woman who doesn’t want kids – at all, ever – I’ve been asking to get my tubes tied since the age of 26. Every year for the last four years my GP has refused my decision. I couldn't even get a referral. The response was always: ‘You’re far too young to take such a drastic decision.’

But now I've been put on the list for surgery and will finally be able to be sterilised later this year.

It's something I've wanted for years, but that doesn't mean it was an easy decision to make. It’s one I’ve researched, considered, weighed-up and defended, over and over again.

Not everyone who chooses to have kids can say the same - but then they’re not questioned and belittled repeatedly.

I have been. The comments are always the same, whether from strangers, friends or medical professionals. When someone hears my decision, they tend to assume I've made a snap judgement and have only just thought of it, without considering the implications.