Sex and the Future of Russian Society; Pt. 3

Author: Linda DeLaine
Website: RL Online
Department:
Page: 3   ( 3) pages

Summary: Abortion and Adoption

The reasons for high abortion rates in Russia are fairly obvious. First, if condoms are unaffordable and abortions are free, abortion becomes birth control. Health risk factors for pregnant women are greater. With at least 20 percent, that we know of, diagnosed with anemia, many abort because they believe that they, nor their baby, would make it safely to term. Those who already have HIV are likely to abort, as well.

Economics are a reality when it comes to pregnancy. Many women and couples will choose abortion because they cannot afford to support and raise a child. Many who don't believe in abortion for religious reasons or think they can figure out a way to care for a child will deliver, only to place their baby up for adoption. Most of these infants and children are adopted by non-Russian families, primarily in the United States. This leads to a whole other issue regarding adoption procedures, laws and Russia's feeling that its children and future is being systematically exported.

According to a recent report from the World Health Organization, Russia ranks 69th in the world in terms of quality of health and healthcare. The bad economy has led to pollution, poor eating habits and increase of diseases such as tuberculosis. Over one-third of Russian infants come into the world with some sort of health problem. The WHO states that a country's health is in serious danger if the annual per capita consumption of alcohol exceeds 8 liters. Russia's per capita consumption (mainly vodka) is roughly 16.5 liters. Russian male life expectancy has dropped from 63.8 years in 1990 to 59.8 years. Female life expectancy has gone from 74.2 years in 1990 to 72.2 years.

Decreased births is more of a problem, regarding population growth, than the shortened life expectancies. In order to sustain a population, women would need to bear at least two children each. Russia's birthrate in 1998 was 1.24 children per woman. It dropped in 1999 to only 1.17. This does not take into account the number of children leaving Russia due to foreign adoption. Russia has invested some $125 million into Children of Russia, a program aimed at improving health care for children and mothers.

Even with improved health care, many Russian couples do not see a light at the end of the long, economic crisis tunnel. Abortion in Russia should not be seen as a product of a society that cares little for children or family. Nothing could be further from the truth. When a women or couple choose abortion or adoption, it is a very sad time. Couples who choose adoption hope their child will be adopted by a Russian family - far too often, this is not the case and their child is whisked away to some other country where he/she will be well cared for but not raised with Russian traditions. The loss of Russian children, whether by abortion or adoption, is having visible effects on the population and society.

The need for information, education and the ability to make informed decisions regarding one's sexual activity, disease risk, pregnancy and abortion is nothing unique to Russia. These are issues faced by all peoples and societies. What is problematic is the availability of information and the manner in which is is disbursed. In reality, there are considerable misconceptions and lack of knowledge when it comes to birth control, STDs and HIV/AIDS. The result in a continued increase in pregnancy and abortion, as well as, disease.

The most recent figures show that the population problem in Russia is not improving. From January through November, 2001, the population dropped by 781,800 people (5%) and total population was 144 million. During the same period in 2000, population dropped by 678,100. According to the State Statistics Committee, the number of deaths is 170% greater than the number of births.

In today's Russia, the number of deaths per day is not equaled by the number of births. In fact, there are about 180,000 deaths a month in Russia and only 100,000 births. At the same time, the infant mortality rate is higher than that of many third world countries. In the past eight years, Russia's population has dropped by 8 million people to a current count of ca. 145 million. President Putin, in his last state of the nation address, expressed his concern that, in 15 years, Russia could be a nation of only 22 million unless dramatic measures are taken now.