Postpartum sterilization by mini-incision at Paarl, CP. A multicentre international comparison.

Postpartum sterilization at Paarl Hospital, CP, is compared with the situation obtaining in Thailand, India, Cuba, Chile, the Philippines, Australia and Singapore. This international study depoliticizes the issue and emphasizes that voluntary sterilization is a basic service which should be available everywhere. A transumbilical minilaparotomy is a fast and safe procedure, which should be carried out within hours of delivery--even on Saturdays and Sundays. Caesarean section when sterilization is the only indication is completely unjustified.