This report critically examines the issue of sterilization in the United States based on data from the National Survey of Family Growth, Cycles I and II, spanning the years 1973 to 1976. Of particular concern is analysis of sterilization rates as they vary across categories of race, socioeconomic status, welfare status, number of children and desire for the service. The development of a framework containing competing theories and philosophies, based upon previous literature in the area, provides a useful paradigm for an understanding of the significance of sterilization rates. The methodology includes bivariate techniques involving tabular analysis as well as multivariate techniques through the use of logistic regression analysis. Findings support hypotheses related to class factors and parity, while the racial and altruistic interpretations are not supported. Policy implications and areas requiring further research are specified.