Abstract: Block copolymers wherein the first block contains from about 40 to about 65 mole percent of repeating units derived from glycolide randomly combined with from about 60 to 35 mole percent of repeating units derived from lactide and the second block contains repeating units derived from glycolide and repeating units derived from lactide, the second block containing a higher proportion of repeating units derived from glycolide than the first block, with units derived from glycolide constituting from about 75 to about 95 mole percent of the entire block copolymer are useful in forming surgical articles, including sutures.