[The present practice of tubal ligation in West German university departments of obstetrics and gynaecology (author's transl)].
Within a few years the attitudes of the general public and the majority of the physicians to tubal ligation have undergone radical change. The present indications, incidence and policies of tubal ligation in 21 west german University Departments were explored by questionnaire. A survey on the incidence of tubal ligation in large departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology was obtained prior to the enactment of new laws and regulations. The reported figures show a steep rise in the incidence of tubal ligation from 1970 to 1974. This fact is partially due to a very liberal interpretation of medical indications and partly due to the acceptance of tubal ligation as permanent contraception under certain individual and family conditions. The results of the enquiry are interpreted as the present practice of regulations which are legally still in the planning stage. In spite of the liberalization of the indications for tubal ligation, problems such as individual psychological difficulties associated with female sterilization cannot be minimized. Therefore the majority of the departments demand an intensive explanatory session and detailed informed consent for female sterilization.