Selective Abortions Significantly Increase After 44-Day War, Says Avanesyan

After the 44-day war in Artsakh and Armenia, the number of selective abortions has significantly increased. This was announced by Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan during a session of the National Assembly on March 1, responding to questions from deputies.

According to Avanesyan, Armenia had fairly good indicators prior to the war. “Year by year, there has been a decrease in such cases. Unfortunately, as a result of the war, certain changes occurred in societal attitudes, especially regarding boys. The statistics, so to speak, have changed to some extent here,” she clarified.

The minister is confident that public and educational campaigns aimed at changing public perceptions must continue. “It may also be necessary to tighten prohibitions somewhat. However, merely prohibitions will not yield the desired results,” said the government representative.

She also noted that the birth rate in Armenia decreased in 2022 compared to 2021, but a certain positive dynamic was recorded in January 2023. “Statistics show that there was a decrease in marriages during 2020 and the first half of 2021, but I have to say that January 2023 gives us some hope that this trend will go in the opposite direction this year. In January of this year, we recorded the highest birth rate in January over the last three years. For the first time, we have crossed the 3000 mark in January,” Avanesyan said.

Discussing the births of third and fourth children in families, Avanesyan mentioned that over a ten-year period, the number of third and fourth children has nearly doubled.