Title: State attempts to stem decline: Hungary.

POPLINE Document Number: 800143

Author(s):

Jones M

Source citation:

PEOPLE, 1980;7(1):19-20.

Abstract:

The population policy in Hungary includes a system of benefits that provides support for women in pregnancy, confinement and during the post-delivery period; and increased maternity benefits, family allowances and State support for the care of children. Every Hungarian woman employee is eligible to receive full wages during the first 5 months after delivery and to child-care allowances up to the 3rd birthday of the child. The development of improved housing is considered an important part of population policy. Over 2/3 of the women in the fertile age range 15-44 in Hungary are full-time workers and efforts are being made to eliminate much of the conflict between a woman's dual role as mother and worker. The most important aspect of Hungary's population policy is the revision of the regulations controlling induced abortion, which took effect in January 1974. For 18 years before that induced abortion was legal provided it was carried out in a recognized institution with formal permission from an abortion committee. The change in the law resulted in an abrupt drop of about 40% in the incidence of abortions -- from 1024 abortions/1000 live births in 1973 to 514/1000 in 1974. The number of abortions on medical grounds increased from 4000 to 12,000. A 1977 Hungarian fertility, family planning and birth control study revealed no substantial change in the number of women using contraception, or in desired family size, between 1974 and 1977. Contraceptives are available for anyone wanting them. The 1977 survey makes the point that the sharp fertility increase following these pro-natalist measures may well have been a temporary phenomenon.

Keywords:

Hungary
Population Policy
Abortion
Incidence
Incentives
Contraceptive Usage
Developing Countries
Europe, Central
Europe
Social Policy
Policy
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Measurement
Research Methodology
Contraception