Family planning and induced abortion in the USSR: basic health and demographic characteristics.
In 1988, the USSR Ministry of Public Health published official statistics on abortion for the first time in 60 years. Using the official data published in 1988 and unofficial statistics from a variety of independent sources, this report attempts to describe some of the basic features of fertility regulation in the USSR. Induced abortion is the main method of fertility regulation throughout the country, and a high proportion of induced abortions are unregistered and performed illegally. The availability and use of modern contraceptives is low; among those who practice contraception, traditional methods predominate. The official data leave much to be desired in the way of accuracy, reliability, and completeness. However, it is clear that the level of induced abortion is higher in the USSR than in any other country in the world.
Popov
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Princeton University, NJ 08544.
D000024:Abortion, Illegal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001723:Birth Rate; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends; D006302:Health Services Research; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D014586:USSR