[Morbidity and mortality due to infection in the obstetrico-gynecological field]

The following conclusions were derived from the data on obstetric and gynaecological and urologic morbidity and mortality caused by infection:--A law enacted in 1972, legalising abortion within the first twelve weeks of gestation, changed the proportion of legally induced abortions to all other types of abortion. As the law largely prevents illegally induced abortion, substantial decreases occured in the number of cases of postabortal sepsis and in the mortality from abortion.--In spite of a steady decline, pueral sepsis still accounts for a significant proportion of the maternal mortality. It occurred predominantly after Caesarean section.--Despite its relatively low current morbidity rate, the possible effect of puerperal mastitis should not be neglected.--The high incidence of urinary tract infections calls for wellbalanced, but effective preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic action.