Title not available in English.

Abstract

Sterilization and race in São Paulo. A general vision of the regulation of fertility in Brazil indicates a high usage of contraceptive methods, specially concentrated on orally administered hormones and feminine sterilization. Analysing the results of research made in the State of São Paulo on Reproductive Health of the Negro Woman, in 1992, the article reaffirms there is no statistical difference between the rates of sterilization of Negro or White women. The research shows this equivalence is maintained even when the results are compared by level of schooling and per capita monthly earnings. The article finally demonstrates the existence of a "culture" of sterilization, equally present among Negro and White women.