I knew that Russia had the highest abortion rate in the world but it was rather disillusioning to learn the amount. For every live birth there are 2 abortions. A 2:1 ration. ( http://www.mosnews.com/feature/2004/11/25/abortion.shtml ) No matter what you opinion is on abortion this is a sad statistic. Out of curiosity I checked Kyrgyzstan, the country I was I will be visiting. There it is 31 abortions of 100 live births. In the US there are about 25 abortions per 100 live births. Not making any assertions here just presenting facts. Anybody have any ideas why it is so high in Russia?
I learnt from many girls in Moldova that their first sexual encounter was usually against their will. If same is the case in Russia, you know that protection isn't typically used in unconsented sex, which explains high pregnancy rates, and consequently high abortion rates.
And Russia has National Health Insurance (Socialized Medicine) - with few restrictions and no cost or minimal cost on the procedure (someone correct me if I am wrong on this). Few religious based deterents.
I think it is general attitude about sex. Of course it is not about money. Like KA said, Kyrgyzstan is much more poor. Also, in the 70'2 under CCCP, the rate was much higher. That is the odd part...