There were 43,000 children born in 2009 in Armenia, as compared to 40,000 in 2007–2008. During today’s press conference, Chief Obstetrician-Gynecologist of the RA Ministry of Healthcare, Professor Razmik Abrahamyan, considered this indicator unprecedented, noting that for that reason all the prerequisites exist in the country.

“In no country is maternity assistance completely free… in our country, thanks to the enclosed certificates, it became possible to secure a growth in births,” said the expert.

Abrahamyan also stated that the number of children born with birth defects in Armenia has sharply declined over the years, comprising 1–2 children per thousand per year.

Gayane Avagyan, chief expert in the RA Ministry of Healthcare’s Mother and Child Health Division, also added that Armenia is one of those rare countries which places importance on a woman’s reproductive health. All 15-year-old girls are required to undergo medical examination during state claims.