Sterilisations (discontinued), 2000

The number of sterilizations per 1000 women has been reduced by a half since the mid 1980s. Sterilizations among men are more stable than among women, even though the numbers show a slight growth in the 1990s. The sterilization rate is highest among men and women between 35 and 40 years.

The breakdown by county is based on where the sterilizations are performed and not based on the county of residence of the person sterilized. Sterilization is not a priority treatment in the national health care system, thus no waiting list guarantee is given. Whoever wants to be sterilized may have the procedure performed in another county than where he or she lives. County statistics on sterilizations performed per 1000 inhabitants can therefore be inaccurate.

Highest sterilization rates in Telemark and Vest-Agder

Grouped by county of treatment, Telemark and Vest-Agder have the highest sterilization rates, with almost 7 sterilizations per 1000 inhabitants in the relevant age groups. These counties also topped the statistics last year. Østfold has the lowest sterilization rate with 1.7 sterilized per 1000 inhabitants.

Sterilizations are governed by a 1977 law, under which people who have turned 25 may demand that they be sterilized. People under 25 may be sterilized under certain conditions, e.g., in the event of an inherited disease, and to protect the health of a woman who risks death or injury from pregnancy and giving birth.