| Abstract: | This is the first part of a longitudinal follow-up study of 218 consecutively sterilized women. The operations were performed at the Gynaecological Department of Akershus Central Hospital during the period May 22nd 1973 to February 1, 1974. The mean age of the women was 33.5 years, their mean parity 2.8. They could not be distinguished from the women of the same age in the county at large with regard to incomes, education or housing conditions. The usage of contraception was widespread, but not consistent. Fifty-eight per cent of the operations were performed postabortion, 69% of the women had at least one, 21% at least two induced abortions before the sterilization. Family planning was the predominant stated motive for sterilization, and the present study indicates that the sterilization legislation of 1934 was outdated some years before it was succeeded by a new law. Sterilization was suggested by the doctor in 40%, at abortion application in 30%. |
