Specificity of safe contraception in Latvia
M. Orleana (1), D. Baumane (2)
Faculty of Medicine, Latvia University (1), Medical Centre of Diplomatic
Service (2), Latvia
Introduction: Since 1990 the population rate has decreased from 2,67
million to 2,34 million. The natural growth is still with a minus, although, in
total, the demographic tendences prove to be slow, though positive: the total
number of legal abortions decreases, the birth- rate of population increases. In
the age group from 10- 14 years and from 15- 19 years the young girls start
sexual life earlier, however, 33% do not use any contraceptives at all,
therefore this age group shows the greatest number of abortions when the first
pregnancy sets in. In total, only 19,79% of fertile age women use safe
contraceptives in Latvia.
Conclusions: There are several reasons which promote the slow increase
of demographic indices, the great abortion rate and insufficient use of safe
contraceptive methods: Little interest of state policy in allocating social
allowances. Contraceptives are not included into the list of state reimbursed
medicines in no age grpup and socially disadvantaged group, in difference to
majority of EU countries. Price policy, introducting 5% VAT on medicines, the
fact is unfavourable to patients. Insufficient number of hours in health
education for children and adolescents.
