Is liberalisation damaging Albanian women's health?

Abstract

Albania is suffering from low levels of economic development and political instability, which have led to impaired provision of basic health care. With 40% of the population under age 15 years, Albania is experiencing a high rate of natural increase and a high but falling birth rate. In January 1992, Albania legalized abortion for women over age 16 years who are less than 12 weeks pregnant. Women outside of these parameters must face a special commission to obtain an abortion. In the first quarter of 1992, there were 0.8 births/abortion. Rapidly deteriorating conditions in maternity homes and women's hospitals are characterized by a lack of anaesthetic, reuse of equipment including needles, and failure to change sheets between patients. There is little access to contraception or sex education, especially for poor women. Child care facilities are being closed as factories shut down and private individuals reclaim the villas used by the government as child care centers. Albanian children suffer from a very high incidence of viral hepatitis, diarrheal disease (with no production of oral rehydration salts in the country), and parasitoses. In rural areas, one nurse serves two or three villages, most births take place in single-roomed homes which lack disinfectants, and people suffer from poor nutrition caused by lack of access to food. Access to water is also limited and available only on a strict timetable. Current conditions in Albania make it dangerous for women to walk abroad at night alone. In addition, the number of traffic accidents is increasing, as are incidences of domestic burglary.