Eastern Europe Index

About the ASTRA Network

Overview of the Region

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EASTERN EUROPE

Following the fall of communism, the 27 countries of Central and Eastern Europe—home to 627 million people of diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions—remain in a period of economic and social transition. This climate has major implications for women's and young people's sexual and reproductive rights. Read more>>

Established in 2000, the ASTRA network is a collective voice for improving women's health and promoting women's rights throughout Central and Eastern Europe and globally. IWHC has supported ASTRA since its inception. More about ASTRA>>

Links of Interest

ASTRA Network

Polish Federation for Women and Family Planning

HERA Action Sheets

Set of 9 action sheets on topics in reproductive and sexual health and rights, including abortion, adolescents, advocacy, gender equality, women's empowerment, and the role of men. 36 pages total. Available in PDF.

Safe Abortion: Technical and Policy Guidance for Health Systems

WHO publication, 106 pages. Comprehensive overview of actions that health professionals and others both inside and outside of government can take to ensure the provision of safe, good-quality abortion services as allowed by law. Available from WHO.

Clear and Compelling Evidence: The Polish Tribunal on Abortion Rights

Article published in Reproductive Health Matters, 9 pages. Describes the findings and political significance of the Tribunal on Abortion Rights (Warsaw, July 2001). Available in PDF.

Wanda Nowicka, Poland

"The Polish women's movement is still quite new. We use international standards to show the Polish people what our government should be doing."