Minilaparotomy, laparoscopic sterilization accepted enthusiastically by women in Mexico, Columbia.

Reports from voluntary sterilization programs in Mexico and Colombia show that significant numbers of poor, uneducated Latin American women take advantage of this family planning method. Data from 56 Mexican women show that they married young, had more than 6 children on the average by the time they were 30-34 years old, were poor, and had received little education. These women sought to limit their family size out of concern for their health and because of their proverty. At follow-up, almost all reported that they had recommended the procedure to others. In the 1st 2 years of the Colombia program, 10,000 women (approximately 1200/day) have been sterilized. These women are an average of 32 years old and have 5 living children. Sterilizations have been performed on an outpatient basis with good results. In order to institute such a program, the need must be assessed so that trained personnel can be available. By keeping sterilization within the purview of family planning services, the cost/benefit ratio will remain favorable. The provision of sterilization services will generate debate, the consequence of which is, ironically, an increased demand for the services.