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Bulgaria – Maternity and Giving Birth

Bulgaria is a country located in Southeast Europe, with a population of around 7 million people. When it comes to giving birth in Bulgaria, most births take place in hospitals or specialized maternity clinics. Home births are relatively uncommon in Bulgaria, and typically only occur in rural areas.

Pregnant women in Bulgaria have access to prenatal care, which includes regular check-ups with a doctor or midwife, as well as tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of the mother and the developing fetus. Most hospitals and maternity clinics in Bulgaria have well-equipped maternity wards, and women have the option of giving birth vaginally or via cesarean section, depending on their medical needs and preferences.

Registering a Birth in Bulgaria

If you give birth in Bulgaria, you will need to register the birth with the local civil registry office (Obstinski upravleniya). Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Obtain a birth certificate from the hospital or maternity clinic where the birth took place. This certificate should include information about the baby’s name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names and identities of the parents.

  2. Contact the local civil registry office to schedule an appointment to register the birth. You will need to bring the birth certificate, along with identification documents for both parents.

  3. At the appointment, the registrar will review the documents and register the birth. You will receive a birth certificate for your child.

Attitudes and Legislation Surrounding Abortion in Bulgaria

Abortion is legal in Bulgaria, and has been since 1956. Women in Bulgaria can have an abortion for any reason during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and for certain medical reasons up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy are only allowed in cases where the mother’s life is at risk or the fetus has a severe anomaly.

The attitudes towards abortion in Bulgaria are generally liberal, with many people viewing it as a woman’s right to choose. However, there are also some groups and organizations that oppose abortion, viewing it as morally wrong. Despite this, access to safe and legal abortion services is generally available and supported by the government.

Giving birth in Bulgaria generally takes place in hospitals or specialized maternity clinics, with home births being relatively uncommon. Pregnant women in Bulgaria have access to prenatal care and a range of medical options for giving birth. Registering a birth in Bulgaria involves obtaining a birth certificate and scheduling an appointment with the local civil registry office. Abortion is legal in Bulgaria, with many people viewing it as a woman’s right to choose. Despite opposition from some groups and organizations, access to safe and legal abortion services is generally available and supported by the government.


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