Demand for surgical sterilization among patients in a district maternity hospital

Abstract

SUMMARYIn a large district maternity hospital 1,079 women patients were interviewed about the perceived need for surgical sterilization. Of the patients interviewed 3-7% had been booked for this procedure and a further 8-7% expressed a desire to undergo sterilization at the time of interview. This wish was not limited to European women but was frequently expressed among the immigrant groups.A sample of patients' husbands, contacted by means of a questionnaire about vasectomy, revealed that 107% of the sample of 262 replying would request immediate vasectomy if this were available. Some implications for planning any extension of these services are discussed.

The unwanted birth and the family planning service

“…A substantial unmet demand for professional advice on family planning (Brennan & Opit, 1973) and sterilization (Opit & Brennan, 1974) has been demonstrated in post-natal patients. This work also revealed a significant number of married as well as single women who declared their recent birth as unwanted.…”