Authorities in northwestern Russia’s Vologda region are considering banning abortions in both private and state-run clinics, a move that would make it the first Russian region to implement a total ban if approved.
Vologda region Governor Georgy Filimonov said Thursday that local officials plan to discuss the measure with representatives from public and private medical institutions later this month.
“We will talk about the need to refuse abortions even in private clinics,” Filimonov said at a government meeting, according to the state-run TASS news agency.
He added that the initiative is being developed in collaboration with public organizations and state institutions, as well as the Russian Orthodox Church.
A nationwide attempt to ban abortions in private clinics was rejected by lawmakers in December 2023. While Russia maintains relatively liberal abortion laws, several regions have introduced local restrictions as part of efforts to boost birth rates amid a demographic decline.
Private clinics in at least nine Russian regions have already halted abortion services, while at least 15 regions have introduced fines for “coercing” women into terminating pregnancies.
President Vladimir Putin has encouraged women to give birth while cautioning officials against imposing strict legal restrictions on abortion access.
Filimonov’s remarks announcing the abortion ban discussions were deleted from public broadcasts late Thursday.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
