Incoherence in Birth Control Policy and the Dynamics of Abortion in Russia

Abstract

This article analyzes changes to the Russian Federation’s state policy in the field of birth control in the post-Soviet period and the impact this has had on both access to abortion and its incidence in the country. This research is based on an analysis of regulatory documents emerging from the automated system that tracks State Duma legislative activity and the online reference system 'Consultant+'. This analysis includes not only the adopted laws and regulations, but also the legislative proposals. An assessment of the dynamics of a variety of abortion indicators was carried out on the basis of the official statistics of Rosstat and the Russian Federation Ministry of Health. Based on changes in government policy, the authors distinguish three distinct periods in this process: firstly, the relatively positive trends in existence up to 1998; secondly, mildly unfavorable ones from 1998–2006; and, finally, the shift towards the archaic from 2006. The total numbers of abortions and more specific rates have been steadily declining since the late 1980s, even if the rates of this decline may vary. Two periods of rapid decrease in abortions are separated by a period of relatively slow decrease. The periods of the fastest decrease are characterized by contradictory policies and rhetoric. The authors conclude that population behavior in this area is independent of the controlling efforts of policy makers and that the abortion rate depends on the availability of and access to high-quality modern contraception. It is worth noting that the most radical measures that would sharply restrict the right to abortion have not yet been adopted. In conclusion, the authors provide a qualitative forecast of possible political changes and scenarios of population response to these changes.