A number of IWPR correspondents reports from Tashkent and Andijan:
The authorities in Uzbekistan have a robust policy on birth control, but evidence is emerging that in pursuit of a smaller population they are abusing women’s rights by conducting hysterectomies and implanting contraceptive devices against their will.
The authorities want women to give birth to fewer babies, less often. They argue that a reduced birth rate is for the good of the national economy as well as the welfare of mothers themselves.
IWPR has interviewed healthcare experts and mothers who accuse the authorities of using coercive family planning measures that are often brutal in their implementation, and that allow for neither consultation nor alternative options.
Although the methods are shrouded in secrecy, there is mounting evidence that this is a coherent state policy rather than misguided imposition of voluntary methods.
According to one doctor, there is a secret order from the health ministry dating from 2000 to reduce the birth rate among women in rural areas. One of the methods recommended for achieving this goal is to perform hysterectomies on young women who have already given birth. As well as hysterectomies, the other main practice is the implanting of intrauterine devices, IUD (commonly known as “the coil”) immediately after a mother has given birth. Again, both mothers and health professionals say this is often done without consent.
The way both types of intervention are carried out leads to heightened health risks, medical experts say. In a further indication that there is a coherent state policy, doctors have been dismissed for failing to hit birth control targets for their region. All these measures taken by the government, which were discovered by IWPR journalists during their investigation, are portrayed by officials as benign concern for the health of women and children
