Changes in women's health in the Baltic republics of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia during 1970-1997.

The rapid political, economic and social changes occurring in the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania fundamentally affect female health. Demographic trends, morbidity and mortality indicators point to a general decline in the status of women's health in the three Baltic republics since their independence from the Soviet Union. The transition period from socialist to market economy has clearly taken a toll in women's health. These have to be taken into consideration by health authorities in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia as well as the European Union during the undergoing reforms being planned for healthcare systems in all EU countries in accession.