Family planning, part of maternal health care, spurring record low infant, mother death rates in Cuba.

Abstract

Cuba has the lowest infant morality rate, 1 of the lowest maternal mortality rates, and 1 of the lowest birthrates of any Latin American or Caribbean country, largely because of its comprehensive maternal health care. Family planning is an integral part. All conventional contraceptives and sterilization are provided in the same manner as other ambulatory medical services through clinics, rural hospitals, or medical posts. Cuba has begun manufacturing its own nylon version of the Zipper ring and had imported a variety of other IUDs with the assistance of the Population Council and International Planned Parenthood Federation. IUDs are the leading method, condoms and the diaphragm are of 2nd order use, and oral contraceptives are less widely used although low-does combination pills are gaining acceptance. First trimester abortion is common and virtually all are done by suction evacuation in hospitals. Only a samll number of second trimester procedures are done, only on strictly medical grounds. Sterilization is done in hospitals, usually as a postpartum procedure. Prenatal care is universally available, leave with pay is given for childbirth, and the planned revision of the family law contemplates elimination of illegitimacy as a civil status.