The relative risks of sterilization alone and in combination with abortion

In recent years many authors have claimed that the combination of tubal sterilization and induced abortion carries too high a morbidity and that the two operations should preferrably be performed separately. As this standpoint has serious practical consequences for many women undergoing abortion, a review of the literature was undertaken to see whether there are any data supporting it. No direct comparison of the morbidity accompanying the combined procedure and the total morbidity from the two procedures performed with an interval could be found. Indirect evidence suggests that the effect of an interval between the operations-if any-is negligible compared with the influence upon morbidity of factors such as methods of sterilization and abortion, health status, and age. To gain direct information on the problem, a multicentre study has been designed by the Task Force on Sequelae and Complications of Induced Abortion. The outlines of this study are briefly described.