As a commentator on these presentations observes, Russia’s low fertility rates and high abortion rates, coupled with high levels of mortality from preventable causes, have resulted in negative population growth and the perception among many observers that the country is experiencing a «demographic crisis» that domestic policies must address.5 To some extent, the commentator notes, recent demographic patterns may reflect policy changes that have accompanied economic reform and development-for example, declines in fertility may be a reaction to the abandonment of the pronatalist policy of the 1980s-but these changes cannot account for all of the recent demographic trends. Analysis of how earlier policies, current reforms and other factors have influenced these trends will enable the government to deal with them effectively.
Russian Women Online NOW: New Russian Women: