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Relying upon data collected during doctoral research regarding maternity in an urban working-class environment in Brazil, the author identifies the particular symbolic adjustments linked to contraceptive methods and especially the modulation of identity among woman who want sterilization by tubal ligation. Contrary to the negative image presented by the media (national and international) and certain experts, this contraceptive technique is widely valued among the women encountered. Faced with the inability of public authorities to establish effective and efficient family planning based upon other “reversible ” contraceptive techniques and facing social and economic constraints as well as those of gender relations as felt by women, the “desire for ligation ” proves to be not only an appropriation of the management of their contraception but also a foundation upon which identity adjustments are constructed.