Contraceptive sterilization in four Latin American countries

Abstract

SummaryThe use of sterilization as a method of contraception is increasing rapidly throughout the world. This paper reports on sterilization rates for women in Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Panama in relation to demographic characteristics. Comparisons are made with non-sterilized women using other efficient contraceptive methods.The sterilization rates range from 0·161 in Colombia to 0·552 in Panama; births averted are calculated as one-quarter in Colombia, one-half in Costa Rica and one in the Dominican Republic and Panama.