LET’S FILL OUR HOMES WITH CHILDREN! PRONATALIST CAMPAIGNS AND LETTERS OF INVITATION. 1966-1974
LET’S FILL OUR HOMES WITH CHILDREN! PRONATALIST CAMPAIGNS AND LETTERS OF INVITATION. 1966-1974

Summary/Abstract: Transformed into state policy, the increase in child-birth represented an abusive intrusion of the communist power into the privacy of its own citizens. For the stimulation of the process, tax cuts were announced, as well as the construction of new preschools, nurseries and foster homes and last but not least the introduction of a monthly payment of 1000 lei for the women which were to give birth to their third child (as financial stimulus, allowances and prizes were offered). At the same time, the infringement of the provisions of the decree was punishable by a fine, condemnation at the work place, imprisonment from 1 to 3 years or correctional prison. Propagandistically, the measure was announced as an important step towards improving the life conditions (houses, nurseries and wages). However, the day to day realities, especially the economic ones, did not support this propaganda of welfare.In the 80’s, the maintaining of the decree, the harshening of the sanctions and penalties, as well as the deterioration of the quality of life had created grave social imbalances which resulted in the increase of abandoned and institutionalized children, infantile mortality and deceases as a consequence of illegal abortions.

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