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This figure is probably the same or higher for AW. The difference being that AW's are better able to provide financially for these kids.

The Moscow Tmes
By Megan Twohey
Staff Writer

Nearly one-third of all babies born in Russia last year were born to unwed mothers, double the percentage of a decade earlier and at a level not seen since World War II, government statistics show.

More than 40 percent of these babies were born to teenagers, according to the statistics, which were compiled by the Center for Demography and Human Ecology at the Russian Academy of Sciences and published in the Nov. 5-18 issue of the center's magazine, Demoscope.

The number of births to married women dropped from 1.87 million in 1989 to 912,500 in 2000, while the number of births to unmarried women increased from 291,700 to 354,300, the magazine article said. The percentage of births to unmarried women jumped from 13 percent to 28 percent.

But the implications of this trend remain unclear, said Sergei Zakharov, the center's laboratory head who co-authored the article.

This is because Russia has few statistics on its single mothers, such as whether they are living with the fathers of their children or what their income and education levels are, he said.

"The most significant thing about this trend is that we don't know enough about it," Zakharov said. "We don't know who these women are. That means we're not in a position to say if it's bad or good."

Murray Feshbach, senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, who studies demographic trends in Russia, agreed. "It's not the numbers that are important. What's important is whether the parents of the children are living together and providing dual care."

The last time out-of-wedlock births reached a similarly high level was during World War II, when roughly one-quarter of children were born to unmarried women. The reason was clear: Millions of young men were dying on the front lines.

Today's trend is harder to explain.

The number of births to unmarried teenagers, ages 15-19, grew more rapidly than any other age group — from 55,695 in 1990 to 66,859 in 2000, a percentage leap from 20 percent to 41 percent. The teenage population also grew during the decade.

Women over 40 account for about 35 percent of the births to unwed mothers, a percentage that was fairly stable throughout the 1990s.

The government statistics show that, although once higher in the countryside, the number of children born to unmarried women in rural and urban areas evened out in the 1990s.

To understand the implications for the children and society of the growing number of out-of-wedlock births, we need to know the social status of the women having these babies, Zakharov said. He pointed to Western research that has shown a connection between single parenthood and poverty.

"Demographers and sociologists are looking for help from the government," he said. "But a focus on the decline in the overall birth rate means there is no real interest."

... in response to 1 in 3 babies born to unwed Russian mom, posted by Cold Warrior on Nov 28, 2001

28% of whites babies born out of wedlock.

70% of black babies born out of wedlock.

For centuries the illegitimacy rate of the European/American/Caucasion population was a steady 5%. It started to increase in the early 1960s to its present obscene level. The illegitimacy rate amongst the black population was always high, but it has more than doubled the past several decades.

In an age where we have birth control there is no excuse.

... in response to Tha American Stats, posted by WmGo on Nov 28, 2001

Black men need role models since most of them have grown without the father figure.Jesse Jackson,AL Sharpton and Louis Farkkhan are definitely not role models to follow. Neither is Mike Tyson or a number of black atlethes.Funny how many black preachers rallied behind Tyson following the rape case.Almost suggesting the woman was to blame for having 'enticed'Tyson. I suggest Colin Powell as an example for black men.

... in response to Black babies, posted by Cold Warrior on Nov 28, 2001

There is a gross failure of moral leadership in the black community. MLK would not have tolerated the present circumstances of illegitimacy and black on black crime.

... in response to Black babies, posted by WmGo on Nov 29, 2001

the last day of his life, he supposedly had sex with two (married--if memory serves me correctly) women and beat the crap out of another , and it is said that he was warned that he could not be protected from harm due to his sexual exploits. The book was written by one of his close associates, I'm drawing a blank on his name, the black leaders really came down hard on him when it went into print.

... in response to Ever read the book on MLK.........., posted by Lynn on Nov 29, 2001

worth 'bout as much

... in response to Every read the book on that guy who was ..., posted by WilliamMGi on Nov 30, 2001

The author that I was trying to remember was Rev, Ralph Abernathy (sp?), at the moment that I wrote the above post, I could not remember his name, but I remember clearly the comments at the time by the black community. His airing of the dirty laundry brought forth a lot of criticism.

... in response to Quote the title and author and I'll tell..., posted by Lynn on Nov 30, 2001

the criticism not about King, but of Abernathy for telling and who was one of the one's screaming the loudest-----none other than King's protege Jesse Jackson, I guess he learned well.

... in response to Black babies, posted by Cold Warrior on Nov 28, 2001

Spike Lee and Puff Daddy...ha ha ha

... in response to Black babies, posted by Cold Warrior on Nov 28, 2001

You left out someone,...Jesse, Al, Louis, Mike and Max!

... in response to 1 in 3 babies born to unwed Russian mom, posted by Cold Warrior on Nov 28, 2001

This goes to show the need for better sex education, free condoms etc. in all Countries. I have read that the FSU is lacking in thier sex education programs and the younger generation can't afford condoms. This with their now found sexual revolution after the fall of socialism is wrecking havic on the country.

... in response to This goes hand in hand with the AIDS pro..., posted by Dalton Brooks on Nov 28, 2001

Condoms are widely available and you always her them say their are not good...  There is a brand that I saw widely available in at the MegaMarket.

Durex.  I think alot of people are just claiming ignorance because it's an easy out.  Since and if the liquor does flow so easily.  Probably most folks just weren't thinking when they were doing it.

Just like now in the city of NYC there is a baby boom going on, since more people are staying at home.  Same is true in countries with struggling economies.  Sex is a mental and physical outlet for stress.

Take for instance - RAGS, he's all stressed out right now... Betcha Monday more he'll have one big smile on his face.  :)

... in response to Re: That's alot of BS, posted by wsbill on Nov 29, 2001

I agree that they are widely available, but they don't have the money to purchase them or in most cases the younger generation of girls in the FSU are giving it up to easily. Think about it, if they used condoms and practiced safe sex, would they have the fastest growing rate of AIDS in the world, or the highest rate of unwed mothers.

If you have followed the kpnews.com for some time you would have seen the article about the "best Ukrainian Customs". No. 3 on the list of best Ukrainian customs was sex on the first date.

It is not new news that Russian men expect sex from the women whenever they want it (I.E. buying a drink,going to dinner etc.)and most RM don't care about children, so why would they care if they get a woman pregnant. RW are willing to give it up in the hopes of finding a lasting relationship. Also we have all read about the infidelity of Russian men and the fact is, Russian men could not be so unfaithful if the women weren't willing to give it up. It takes two to be unfaithful. We all have learned this from the Male/Female ratio and just staying abreast on the current affairs in the FSU.

I have been involved with the people of Russia and Ukraine, so this is not just idle speculation. I also know several men in my city and other cities that are involved with RW and not one of them have said that they didn't have sex with their RW on the first meeting.

Russian's are very passionate people, they are passionate about their opera, culture, music, vodka and they are passionate about sex.

I am not saying it is bad and that I don't like it. I am saying that they do not practice safe sex.

... in response to My point exactly. At the Mega Market. I ..., posted by Dalton on Nov 29, 2001

Best Customs in Ukraine

RESULTS

1.Hospitality

2. Kissing three times

(tie) Celebrating every holiday

(tie) Third toast to the women

Others receiving votes: na konya, women marrying at 18 and starting to date again at 19, jet skirts, snot rockets, no shaking hands over the threshold, borshch and pampushki, monuments for everything, honoring members and veterans of the military, full banquet table, sex on the first date, no empty bottles on the table, family values, drinking vodka.

na konya translates to "one (drink) for the road"
I hate to ask about snot rockets.

... in response to My point exactly. At the Mega Market. I ..., posted by Dalton on Nov 29, 2001

I went on a couple of tours and didn't have sex with anybody and I'm one of the best looking guys going on these tours.  My friend told me that his other friend who's not nearly as good looking as me, went and had sex every night and met several girls while he was over there.  He must have gone to Ukraine.  I'd practice safe sex though.

... in response to My point exactly. At the Mega Market. I ..., posted by Dalton on Nov 29, 2001

u kan't ghet flamed 4 that!

1 man's O pinyon they makes cents.

... in response to 1 in 3 babies born to unwed Russian mom, posted by Cold Warrior on Nov 28, 2001

fff