A comparative analysis of birth-control practices in Russia, Georgia, Lithuania and France

Abstract

Birth-control practices have evolved differently in western and eastern Europe. France legalized contraception and abortion more recently than countries in eastern Europe. Its family planning network is dense, and contraception is the major method for preventing unwanted births. On the other hand, in the former Soviet republics, abortion, introduced much earlier and accepted by public opinion, is the key reproductive technique. These differences are confirmed by this comparison of contraceptive practices in France, Georgia, Lithuania and Russia based on the data collected during the first wave of the Generations and Gender Surveys. Differences in the prevalence of contraceptive practices, the availability of various methods and the unmet demand for contraception are related not only to the sociodemographic characteristics of birth-control users but also to factors, such as legislation, demographic policy, the health system or sexual education in the schools.