Moldovan government, parliament representatives to be trained in family planning

Chisinau, 21 June /MOLDPRES/- Representatives of government and parliament of Moldova will be trained in family planning, sexual and reproductive rights. The initiative was launched today at a news conference.

The event is organized by the Labour, Social Protection and Family Ministry, Health Ministry, UN Population Fund, Embassy of Sweden and Embassy of the Netherlands in Chisinau.

Labour, Social Protection and Family Minister Stela Grigoras said that Moldova faces a complicated demographic situation, mainly, because of the low fertility rate, high rate of aging population, low life expectancy and high mortality. The training is meant to improve the situation by implementing necessary policies in the field.

“Social and economic changes significantly affect families and lead to decrease in population. However, we want an active aging of the population, increase in employment opportunities and quality public services. In this context, we need relevant policies in the field, based on the promotion of human rights, equality between women and men”, Grigoras said.

For her part, Health Minister Ruxanda Glavan noted that the perinatal service reform is currently under way, as well as the work of family planning and pregnancy offices, which contributed to decrease in the abortion rate. “Over 16,000 abortions were registered in 2005, and in 2016, the number is over 12,000. At the same time, due to the promoted actions, the pregnancy rate increased. Also, 40 youth-friendly centres have been created, with over 100,000 young people benefitting from medical and psychological assistance. Also, starting with this year, an initiative has been implemented, which stipulates that insured young people will benefit from an in vitro fertilization procedure. We intend to continue promoting healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, alcohol consumption, drug addiction and obesity”, Glavan said.

At the same time, the two officials thanked foreign partners for supporting promotion of policies to ensure reproductive health rights.

European officials pointed out that “training of government and parliament representatives will bring good results in ensuring the rights of women and men, especially, in family planning”.

The action takes place within the #EaDecide campaign, initiated in 45 countries, including Moldova. The initiative sees sexual empowerment, promotion of women’s rights, program measures, policies and services to ensure these rights.

 (Reporter A. Plitoc, editor A. Răileanu)