For women whose health cannot support pregnancy, the author's obstetrics department has formed a multidisciplinary team to counsel couples on psychological and practical aspects of contraception and abortion. High risk pregnancies are those occuring in women with such disorders as cardiopathy, nephropathy, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, Rhesus isoimmunization and psychosis. Two approaches are used: to prevent or terminate pregnancy. Contraception must be explained concretely, addressing the couples' particular situation and personality. Pills are often contraindicated, in high risk patients as are IUDs in nulliparas and those taking anticoagulants. Many couples used to careful medical surveillance can adjust to temperature rhythm or diaphragms. For women who must have Tubal ligation, the decision is made jointly by the couple, obstetrician, psychotherapist and specialist. Counseling is usually necessary to prevent psychological or sexual dysfunction, particularly in those sterilized during caesarean section if the infant's survival is also at risk. A similar multidisciplinary team is consulted for therapeutic abortion alone or combined with tubal ligation.