[Tubal sterilization]

A recent French law, passed on July 4th, 2001, authorizes a person of age to voluntarily undergo a sterilisation on her request. The practitioner has the legal obligation to inform the person of the consequences and the possible complications of the operation. Recent technical progress as well as its assessment on a large epidemiological scale has modified the given data. In this perspective, we are presenting the different and current techniques of tubal sterilisation, their efficiency and their immediate and long-term complications. During the consultation preceding the operation, the doctor should be certain that the patient (or the couple) is well aware and he will help her (or them) in finding the right contraception. Finally, we will mention relevant passages of the new law.