IRYNA MOGILEVKINA: ”Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Dynamics in Post-socialist Ukraine: Humanity in Maternal and Child Care”

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are paramount for the overall well-being and survival of individuals, while also fostering economic progress and being crucial for the welfare of humanity as a whole. The essential package of sexual and reproductive health interventions includes sexual education, contraceptive services, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), safe abortion care, gender-based violence prevention and response, maternal and newborn care, infertility treatment, cervical cancer prevention and treatment, as well as counseling and care for sexual health and well-being.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine gained independence and embarked on a transition from socialist political and economic systems to establishing an independent democratic state with market economies. This transition brought significant changes to the healthcare system, including the provision of maternal and child care services.

This project investigates the dynamics of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies, services, and status, with a particular focus on maternal and child care in post-socialist Ukraine (1991-2014). An extensive literature review was conducted, encompassing academic articles, reports, policy documents, national protocols and guidelines, theses, and conference materials in both English and Ukrainian. Policy analyses were performed, and previously published qualitative and quantitative studies in Ukraine were analyzed to examine the link between SRHR policies and humanity in maternal care.

During the transitional period in Ukraine, national SRHR policies mostly aligned with international standards. However, translating these policies from paper to action was influenced by various factors at different levels resulting in violation of SRHRs and affecting the humanity of the care provided. Indeed, despite these challenges, notable improvements in sexual and reproductive health indices were observed during the transition period. Addressing the challenges identified in SRHR policy implementation is crucial for the future development of implementation strategies to ensure humanity in maternal care and further improvements in sexual and reproductive health in Ukraine.

This research contributes to the existing knowledge on SRHR and humanity in maternal and child care in post-socialist Ukraine. The findings of this study can inform the development of policies aimed at addressing SRHR issues and promoting humanity in maternal services in countries undergoing transition.