This work chronicles the interaction of public policies and private reproductive behaviour in the 28 formerly socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the USSR successor rates from 1917 to the present. Statistical data is presented in a tabular format and 1250 references are listed.

Included are notes on key developments in the USSR successor states in Europe and in Asia, a discussion of the societal effects of post-socialist transitions from central planning to market economies, and commentaries on the changing emphasis from demographic aspects to reproductive and sexual health, postabortion psychological responses, and the activities of antiabortion-oriented religious organizations. To the extent available, statistical data tabulated include live birth, legally induced abortions, birth rates, legal abortion rates, legal abortion ratios, and total fertility rates. Over 1250 references are listed.

Part 1 Introduction: Overview, Henry P. David
Understanding the "Abortion Culture" in Central and Eastern Europe, Libor Stloukal
The Woman Question, Henry P. David and Joanna Skilogianis. Part 2 Country Reports: Albania, Amilda Dymi and Pamela Pine
Bulgaria, Dimiter Vassilev
Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, Vladimir Wynnyczuk and Radim Uzel
The Former German Democratic Republic, Jurgen Dorbritz and Jochen Fleischhacker
Hungary, Henry P. David
Poland, Anna Titkow
Romania, Adriana Baban
Russian Federation and USSR Successor States, Andrej A. Popov and Henry P. David
Former Yugoslavia and Successor States, Nila Kapor-Stanulovic and Henry P. David.