Background: Most countries of eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union have been characterized in recent decades by high levels of induced abortion and relatively low levels of modern contraceptive use. Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, however, there have been substantial demographic changes in most of these countries, including declines in abortion rates and increases in contraception, as well as dramatic falls in fertility rates. Methods: We examined data from 12 countries in which large population-based reproductive health or demographic and health surveys of reproductive age women were conducted in recent years. We have used the data from these surveys to examine various aspects of birth prevention practices and related topics, including abortion rates and patterns, contraceptive prevalence and method mix, levels of unintended pregnancy, and fertility intentions, among others. Where possible, recent trends in abortion and contraception were analyzed. Results: Although considerable differences between countries remain in regard to the topics examined, some important commonalities are also apparent. For instance, there is a great range apparent in total abortion rates (from 0.7 abortions per woman in Uzbekistan to 3.7 in Georgia), but in almost all countries these rates have been falling rapidly. The use of contraceptive methods among married women (currently ranging from 41% in Georgia to 74% in Moldova), on the other hand, has been rising almost everywhere. The contraceptive method mix has generally been moving toward greater use of highly effective modern methods.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, audience members should be able to describe the recent changes in birth prevention behaviors in these countries, as well as some commonalities across countries
Keywords: Abortion, Eastern Europe
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.