Research with a view to action being taken was carried out in Guadeloupe in 1984 and 1985 to try to find out the causes of the high level of perinatal mortality which persists on the island before suggesting to the public health authorities what action to take. All the cases of perinatal mortality (above 500 g in weight) were looked at and analysed carefully according to a protocol that had been prepared. The events preceding the perinatal death were described and also the antenatal and intranatal as well as immediate post-natal care given to the children. A control case was studied for each case that had been registered and the same questionnaire was filled in. The present work shows the methodology used to carry out the enquiry and how it was organized with the collaboration of all the actors in the public health department as well as the doctors and the health authorities authorities.