Individualism, Neoliberalism, and International Influence in the Push for Family Planning Programs in Romania, 1990-1995

After the Romanian Revolution in December 1989, abortion once again became legal following years of extreme pronatalist policies. As women rushed to obtain abortions, the maternal mortality rate skyrocketed due to the unsafe conditions the abortions were performed in. International organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, were moved to take action. This thesis examines how the international organizations advocated for women to stop using abortion as a primary form of birth control, and for the newly-formed Romanian government to spread information about family planning programs and other forms of contraception. Through an analysis of reports and other publications from international organizations, this thesis explores how this push for family planning programs was part of a larger movement for neoliberal institutions across the former East Bloc.