Tubal ligation has become the second most popular method of contraception in Canada, after oral contraception. Refinement of techniques has resulted in sterilization procedures which have minimal potential for failure and high potential for reversibility. Laparoscopic and minilaparatomy techniques allow outpatient "Band-Aid" sterilizations with less risk of complications than more destructive procedures. Laparoscopic application of tubal clips or rings is highly effective, with minimal tubal destruction. Tubal ligation following a pregnancy is more often regretted than is interval sterilization. The search continues for a satisfactory transcervical sterilization procedure.