Family Violence, Contraceptive Sabotage and Child Abuse

The topic of sexual coercion is hardly separable from that of reproductive coercion (RC), which may consist of contraception sabotage and/or pressure to carry a pregnancy to term. The abortion rate in the former Soviet Union has been the world highest, caused not only by the insufficient availability of modern contraception but also by irresponsible behavior sometimes in conditions of excessive alcohol consumption. Fortunately, both the abortion rate and alcohol consumption has decreased since then. It seems that at different times there have been official or unofficial directives aimed at the birth rate elevation, initially in conditions of the gender imbalance after the World War II. In the meantime, the gender imbalance has reverted and global overpopulation has come to the fore; but fertility is stimulated now as before. Demographic growth is seen as a tool of strengthening defenses and economy. The military needs young people. Vladimir Putin called the decision to have a child a family matter, which can be understood as approval of reproductive coercion by family members within the scope of his policy of elevating birthrate. It should be stressed that the male partner's consent is required neither for contraception nor for sterilization.

Pagina's: 124, Paperback, Eliva Press