| 1. Title: Commentary on abortion law and practice in Cuba. Author: Alvarez-Lajonchere C Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS. 1989;(Suppl 3):93-5. Abstract: Until the mid-1930s, the restrictive concepts of the 1870 Spanish Penal Code prevailed, and Abortion and sterilization were illegal in Cuba. About 1936, a new "Code of Civil Protection," provided some leeway in abortion practice. Abortion was not a punishable offense under some conditions. One of the conditions was serious risk to the woman's health. However, there was no definition of this risk. Physicians judgment was relied upon. Officially doctors opposed laws that would decriminalize abortion in specific cases. Abortion has been widely practiced throughout Cuba from the beginning of this century. Until 1959, government health services were lacking and private medicine flourished, especially in the cities. Abortion was much in demand; physicians performed them at a low price. In 1959, the government instructed the Ministry of Public Health to take charge of the population's health, and to give priority to women and children. A free national health system was set up. In a little more than 3 years, it covered the entire country. Contraceptives were distributed with emphasis on the diaphragm. In July, 1963 the IUD was introduced. Hormonal methods came later, when the dosage was lowered. About the same time, the government tried to reduce home births dependence on the traditional birth attendants. In 1962, it was made compulsory to report confidentially any death relating to pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperium. Overall maternal mortality began to decline. Maternal deaths as a result of illegal abortions, however, increased. The Ministry of Public Health decided that safe abortion services should be available through properly equipped hospitals. A new Penal Code was approved in 1979. It was suggested that it specify when the practice of abortion was punishable. Menstrual regulation is not equivalent to abortion. From 1968, the number of abortions increased yearly. The number peaked in 1974. The number of abortions and also the number of births declined every year between 1974 and 1980. Language: English Keywords: ABORTION LAW | ABORTION | CUBA | GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | MATERNAL MORTALITY | MENSTRUAL REGULATION | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Developing Countries | Caribbean | Americas | Programs | Organization and Administration | Contraception | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Control, Postcoital Document Number: 059105 Notification |
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