[Postpartum sterilization and maternal mortality in Paarl Hospital]

A single maternal death associated with postpartum sterilization has been encountered at Paarl Hospital among the 3 742 such procedures performed between January 1972 and December 1982 (19,75% of all the mothers delivered were sterilized). The safety of postpartum sterilization is confirmed. A strong plea is voiced for the expansion of this procedure on a massive national scale because of its simplicity and effectiveness.