Abortions in Soviet Lithuania 1955-1990: social context and everyday practices

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Abortas; Nusikaltimai; Moterys; Žmogaus teisės; Sovietinė Ideologija; Abortion; Crimes; Women; Human rights; Soviet Ideology.

ENThis article analyzes the question how the Soviet Union's official pro-natalist policy coexisted and functioned in Soviet Lithuanian society together with the legalized abortions? Drawing attention to the everyday life practices and analyzing official policy and propaganda discourse, the article discusses how the ambivalent state of the system contributed to the wide spread illegal practices. Further on, how the systemically uncontrolled "folk" contraception, self-induced miscarriage, and both medical and underground abortion became habitual and recurring in many women's life. It is argued that the 'anti-abortion' and 'fight against criminal abortion' campaigns were not directed to prevent harmful practices but rather to curb uncontrolled financial gain and uphold expected norms of behavior of the Soviet citizen. [From the publication]