Title: Widening women's choice: Austria.

POPLINE Document Number: 800142

Author(s):

Jones M

Source citation:

PEOPLE, 1980;7(1):18-9.

Abstract:

There is no explicit government policy on population in Austria, but in response to the dramatic post World War 2 decline in the birthrate, measures have been taken to encourage mothers to stay at home with their children. A woman is entitled to eight weeks' leave on full pay before and after her child's birth, and she can apply to have at least 1 year away from work after the birth on 1/2 pay. Another result of the low birthrate is that it is very difficult to obtain any further funds for improvement in the family planning and abortions services -- much needed improvements. The abortion law is also restricted in practice. Austria is a predominantly Catholic country, and the medical profession is very conservative. Many physicians conscientiously object to performing abortions in hospitals. Privately, physicians charge high prices so that it is less expensive for many women to go to London or Holland to have an abortion. Although it is comparatively easy to get an abortion in Vienna, in some areas it is extremely difficult. Although a few women's groups are pressing for change in both family planning and abortion services, on the whole the issue is dead. Elisabeth Jandl-Jager, a psychotherapist involved with the Austrian Family Planning Association, maintains that 1 of the foremost roles for the Association is to dispel the misconception that the provision of family planning and abortion services in itself decreases the birthrate.

Keywords:

Austria
Population Policy
Abortion
Population Law
Family Planning Programs
Attitude
Europe, Central
Europe
Developed Countries
Social Policy
Policy
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Legislation
Programs
Organization and Administration
Psychological Factors
Behavior