Section 1954 Of Chapter 6. Sterilization From California Probate Code >> Division 4. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 6.

. In any proceeding under this chapter, if the person named in the petition for court authorization to consent to sterilization has not retained legal counsel and does not plan to retain legal counsel, the court shall immediately appoint the public defender or private counsel to represent the individual for whom sterilization is proposed. Counsel shall undertake the representation with the presumption that the individual opposes the petition.