INDUCED ABORTIONS AND CHILDBIRTHS - TRENDS IN ESTONIA, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, RUSSIA, BELARUSSIA AND THE UKRAINE DURING 1970 TO 1994

Background. To analyse trends in childbirth, induced abortions and mat ernal morbidity from 1970 to 1994 in Estonia. Latvia, Lithuania, Russi a, Belarussia and the Ukraine. Methods. Official health statistics fro m the six countries were compiled and analysed. Results. High abortion rates (up to 142 per 1000 women of fertile ages and years) were seen in all countries analysed, but since 1980 a continuing decrease is not ed for Estonia, Latvia and Kaliningrad with a lowest rate of 50 aborti ons/1000 women/year in Latvia in 1994. Teenage abortions and childbirt hs are increasing. Maternal mortality, including complications of abor tions. is still a reality in ail the countries studied. Conclusion. Th e high abortion frequencies in all countries studied here indicate tha t national abortion prevention programs are needed. Such programs shou ld focus on education, both of medical professionals, teenagers, ferti le women and males. Concomitantly, the availability of cheap and moder n contraceptives must increase, especially to defined risk groups.