12 JULY 2023

Survey on social, public, medical and other factors affecting selective abortions conducted in Azerbaijan

Public Health and Reforms Center (PHRC) of the Ministry of Health conducted survey in order to investigate the social, public, medical and other factors affecting sex selection and to conduct targeted measures on these issues.

The main purpose of the survey, which was conducted with support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country office in Azerbaijan and cooperation with the Association for the Management of Medical Territorial Units of Azerbaijan (TABIB)  is to study the main mechanisms that lead to the gender-selective abortion in Azerbaijan and to obtain statistical data.

Gynecologists, sonographers, midwives, and nurses participated in the survey conducted in women's consultation clinics and maternity hospitals.

The survey conducted in Baku city and regions included 917 respondents from 21 antenatal medical facilities.

Educational materials about dangerous effects of abortions and selective abortions, prepared and published by PHRC were distributed at events held in medical institutions. The results of the survey will be analyzed and discussed.

Note that, selective abortion, termination of pregnancy on grounds of gender are issues that concern society not only in Azerbaijan, but all over the world. Awareness is growing, and government passes major laws and enacted policies to ensure gender equality as a priority.

You can see the photos here. The full text of the news is available in Azerbaijani language.