Factors involved in the acceptance of voluntary female sterilization among Indians in Natal

The sociological characteristics of 200 Indian women admitted for voluntary sterilization to King George V and R. K. Khan Hospitals, Durban, were investigated. Factors involved in the decision to be sterilized were analysed, as well as socio-economic motives found to be of major significance in the desire to limit family size. A control group of 200 Indian women, none of whom had been sterilized, was interviewed, and responses revealed a very favourable attitude towards the acceptance of female sterilization once the family is complete.