PIP: Historical trends of infant mortality (IM) in the Soviet Union are reviewed with special emphasis on the methods of collecting and reporting statistical data. In 1987, the IM (per 1000 live births) was 25.4; with respect to this index, the USSR was in the 60th place among other countries. Prior to October Revolution (in 1913), the IM was 268.6. This index showed decrease to 182.5 by 1928, 163.3 by 1938, and 85.9 by 1946. During the period from 1952 to 1972, the IM continued to decrease, but starting in 1961 and especially in 1966, the rate of decrease began to slow down. In 1972-1976, the IM showed marked increased (by 37.1%: 23.6% in urban areas and by 55.5% in rural areas). This increase was associated with general period of stagnation in the socioeconomic sphere, with an overall increase in birth rate, and also with changes in the system of recording and reporting each case of IM. In 1977, the IM started to decrease again but extremely slowly: the annual rate of decline was 3.1% in 1976-1981 and 1.1% in 1981-1986. On the basis of existing trends in IM decrease, the expected level of IM in 1995 would be 17.5-18%. This level can be achieved if the annual rate of decline in IM is 3-5%. To reach this goal it is necessary to improve the system of reporting neonatal mortality, increase markedly investments into the system of motherhood and childhood protection, and improve health care delivery in the regions with high neonatal mortality.