A survey conducted in France in 1978 on 3000 women aged 20-44 showed that 3/4 of them used a modern contraceptive method. Apparently the pill and the IUD are more widely used in France than in the U.S. or in England; in France, however, only 7.5% of women have been sterilized, and, of these, only 4.5% for permanent contraception. It must be remembered that in France sterilization is forbidden by law, unless it is performed for therapeutic reasons. Expenses for therapeutic sterilization, IUD insertion or removal, and for oral contraception are also covered by insurance. There are about 387 family planning centers in France, which distribute free information and services about family planning; since 1974 adolescents are not required parental permission to be prescribed contraceptives. The role of the physician is extremely important in the distribution of information on contraceptive techniques. Unfortunately the French general practitioner is not yet well equipped and trained to give such information, and only specialists and gynecologists should be consulted.