Implementation of reproductive rights and gender demographic policy by local governments: analysis based on statistical assessment of reproductive health in Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions

Abstract

The scientific article analyzes the role of local governments in ensuring the reproductive rights of citizens, implementing gender-oriented demographic policies and implementing reproductive health programs at the local level.

The authors note that Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions, as some of the most affected by the war, are experiencing serious demographic problems, in particular, a decline in the birth rate, a decrease in the population, and the deterioration of the health of women and children. This poses the task of local authorities to ensure access to medical services and implement effective policies aimed at ensuring gender equality.

The article also focuses on the challenges faced by local authorities, including limited funding and insufficient access to medical services, the need to optimize budget expenditures to support reproductive rights in conditions of socio-economic difficulties.

The state of reproductive health in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine, in particular in 2023–2024, is also highlighted. Fertility rates and women’s and children’s health are found to be lower, and health indicators such as high rates of preterm births and caesarean sections indicate serious health challenges. Problems related to access to health facilities, especially in remote areas, are exacerbated by hostilities.

The authors provide their views on a number of recommendations aimed at improving access to health services, raising public awareness of reproductive rights, and optimizing local budgets to finance these programs. Particular attention is paid to conducting gender-sensitive budget analyses to ensure efficient use of resources. In addition, the authors emphasize that local governments should not only provide health services, but also conduct educational campaigns and integrate reproductive rights into the budgeting process.

The study highlights the critical role of local authorities in the implementation of reproductive rights at the community level, especially in times of war, and proposes appropriate improvements to legal regulation that will allow for more efficient use of limited resources to improve the situation with reproductive rights in Ukraine.