During the five years period (1st January 1988 to 31st December 1992), 106 hysterectomies were performed for obstetric indications in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi. The frequency was 1 in 331 deliveries (total 35,172 deliveries). In all except one hysterectomy was performed as a life saving measure. The major indications were ruptured uterus in 61 (58%) cases and severe postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony in 18 (17%). Other indications included haemorrhage due to placenta praevia in 11 (10%), placenta accreta 7 (7%) and abruptio placentae 5 (5%), severe infection 2 (2%) and broad ligament haematoma following caesarean section 1 (1%). There were 10 (9%) maternal deaths all due to severity of the conditions necessitating hysterectomy. Obstetric hysterectomy can save many lives but requires proper judgement and skill. Senior resident staff in obstetric units in the developing countries should be trained for it.