Moldova

Moldova became an independent republic in 1991 after almost a half century of Soviet rule. Currently, the birthrate is very low; birth control is legal. Virtually all women receive prenatal care and have skilled birth attendants, but maternal mortality is double the European rate. Traditional customs are followed for pregnancy and birth. Women are eligible for paid maternity leave and cash allowances. Literacy rates are high and the divorce rate is moderate.

The low birth rate of 1.25 children per mother and heavy out-migration of workers contribute to an aging population. Employed women are eligible for 126 days of maternity leave benefits. Families receive a cash allowance at the birth of each child and a monthly allowance for childcare.

Moldova's literacy rate is 96 percent, and girls ...