The Latest Trends in Reproductive Health and the Problem of Abortion in Russia

The Latest Trends in Reproductive Health and the Problem of Abortion in Russia


Sakevich V.I.

Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Senior researcher, Institute of Demography, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia. vsakevich@hse.ru

Denisov B.P.

Cand. Sci. (Econ.), First Category Engineer, Faculty of Economics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia. denisov@demography.ru

ID of the Article:


The article is based on the research implemented in the framework of the Basic Research Program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University).


For citation:

Sakevich V.I., Denisov B.P. The Latest Trends in Reproductive Health and the Problem of Abortion in Russia. Sotsiologicheskie issledovaniya [Sociological Studies]. 2019. No 11. P. 140-151




Abstract

In 2019, the world celebrates the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo. The conference launched a demographic policy shift from state interests to human rights, including the right to reproductive health. The article discusses the current situation in the field of birth control in Russia based on the approach developed by the Cairo Conference. We show that the Russian Federation is no longer a global leader in the number of abortions, and in younger ages, reproductive behavior differs little from other developed countries. The accessibility and expansion of the contraceptive market have played a leading role in reducing the number of induced abortions. Despite the position of some pressure groups and attempts to limit reproductive rights, government abortion policies remain liberal. The observed improvement in reproductive health is not a significant demographic reserve in terms of population growth, but it is of great importance for the quality of life of the population.


Keywords
reproductive health; reproductive behavior; birth control; abortion; contraception; family planning

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Content No 11, 2019