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  • Title: "A responsibility for the whole society"--how the government tackles family planning in the German Democratic Republic.
    Author: Mehlan KH.
    Journal: Entre Nous Cph Den; 1990 Jun; (14-15):17. PubMed ID: 12222210.
    Abstract:
    Government policy in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) can be summarized by the following: Family planning is a responsibility for the whole society. Every woman can choose when she wishes to be pregnant. She has the right to an abortion, and easy access to contraceptives. Each family has the right to determine their desired numbered of children. Women do not have a duty to reproduce. Every individual may receive information about preventing pregnancy. All physicians have the duty to counsel unmarried people and couples. Contraceptives are prescribed free of charge. In May, 1963 the Family Planning Association (FPA) of the GER was founded. In December, 1965 the Family Law was passed. It required the Ministry of Public Health to set up the medical branch of family counseling and marriage. Family planning centers were set up. The cooperate with youth groups, public health services, and women's organizations. In 1989 there were 250 centers, 1/10,000 women of fertile age. In March, 1972 abortion was legalized. Abortions are to be done by doctors in a "recognized" clinic within 12 weeks of pregnancy. A pregnancy of more than 12 weeks may only be ended if there are risks to the mother's life, or other serious medical reasons exist. The number of legal abortions decreased from 114,000 (abortion ratio 57) in 1972 to 80,000 in 1988 (abortion ratio of 37.2). There was a slight increase in live births. The % of wanted abortions unrelated to all pregnancies was 39% in 1972. It was 28% in 1986. Women with 2 or more children accounted for 75% of all abortions. Nearly 75% use contraceptives. Since 1965, pill users have risen to 70%. The IUD is used by 5-10%. Fewer than 10% of couples use condoms. Sterilization is only possible for medical indications, not contraceptive reasons. Sex education has not been taught in schools.
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