New Move to Restrict Abortion in Russia

The number of abortions in Russia continue to fall steadily from the catastrophic death toll in Communist times and in the economic chaos that came after the fall of the Soviet Union. But the Orthodox church and various patriotic organisations continue to press for further restrictions, aiming towards an eventual ban on baby-murder.

The latest move is by Deputies of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. They approved the legislative initiative proposed by Governor Gleb Nikitin. Now the draft federal law prepared in the region will be sent to the State Duma.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' previously proposed introducing this ban; he was supported by the chief pediatrician of Russia, academician Alexander Baranov, and a number of politicians and experts.

Ending abortions in private clinics is expected to reduce violations and non-compliance with regulations aimed at reducing the number of abortions. Vice Speaker Anna Kuznetsova previously announced the possibility of introducing such a bill during final session of 2023.