The "Together for the Protection of Life" campaign was held in the Orsha region
The second stage of the preventive campaign "Together for the Protection of Life" started in the Orsha district on December 1. The event is held within the framework of the National Program for Demographic Security of the Republic of Belarus for 2011-2015 and aims to draw public attention to the issues of increasing the birth rate, reducing the number of abortions, and fostering a positive attitude towards family values among youth.
The campaign was launched in Orsha in June of this year, and the results were impressive: the number of abortions decreased, and the birth rate significantly increased. That is precisely why the organizers – the Orsha Central Polyclinic, the departments of ideological work, culture and youth affairs, education, sports and tourism of the district executive committee, the Orsha deanery, the RK OO "BRSM", the RPOO "Belaya Rus", the district organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society – decided not to stop at what has been achieved.
Last Tuesday, as part of the campaign, a series of significant events took place in the Orsha region with the participation of Vladimir Terentyev, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Vladimir Plytkevich, member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, chief physician of the Orsha Central Polyclinic, the leadership of the Orsha District Executive Committee, clergy, leading medical professionals of the district, and representatives of public associations.
The region's first modern family planning office opened on December 16 at the women's clinic №1 of the city maternity hospital. Now, future mothers and young families are consulted by professional gynecologists, psychologists, and clergy members participate in the work.
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The demographic crisis and family crisis can only be overcome through the revival of traditional spiritual and moral values, such as love, fidelity, legal marriage, childbirth, the significance of human life, large families, respect for elders, and the family structure, – notes Vladimir Plytkevich. – These values are protected by Christian commandments and have remained important throughout human history».A solemn registration of four newborns took place at the city maternity hospital. Happy parents received birth certificates for their babies – Arianna Vashetkova, Zlata Orlovich, Nikita Demyanov, Kirill Senkovsky. There were congratulations, gifts, and flowers. The families were honored not only by distinguished guests and event organizers but also by the heads of organizations and enterprises where the young mothers work.
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There is nothing more important than the birth of a person, – emphasized Vladimir Terentyev. – Thanks to the course correctly chosen by the state, the number of abortions has decreased by 10% over the past year. And this is a significant achievement. The birth rate in the Vitebsk region, as in the republic as a whole, has increased. To date, 8 district centers have shown positive dynamics. State authorities, the public, and religious organizations must continue to work purposefully in this direction. Within the framework of the Demographic Security Program, we are doing everything possible to increase the birth rate and reduce mortality. Unfortunately, the problem of induced abortion still exists. And we will solve it together again. Today, we can proudly say that Belarus has a low infant mortality rate; our country ranks 4th in the world in this indicator. We have had no maternal mortality for several years. The state cares about the future of the nation by providing comprehensive support to families raising children. In other words, much has already been done, but there is still a lot to do.»The eventful day continued with a meeting of the briefing club
"Not a step back" in the form of an open dialogue between representatives of different generations. More than 150 students from secondary vocational schools and vocational schools, invited guests, and medical professionals discussed the issue of abortion. After all, this problem is one of the most controversial issues in the modern world.A youth flash mob
"Together for the Protection of Life" was held on the square near the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where a prayer service took place. Dozens of lamps were lit and formed a heart – a symbol of love, kindness, and humanity.Many Orsha residents and city guests visited the photo exhibition of Irina Shidlovskaya, where the young artist captured the beauty of motherhood and fatherhood in her works, with children as the main characters.
The program of events concluded with a celebratory evening at the Railway Workers' House of Culture.
Olga Lebedeva, "Vitebskiye Vesti"