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Labor Minister Speaks Out Against Abortion Ban

Russia's Minister of Labor and Social Protection Maxim Topilin Maxim Stulov / Vedomosti

Russia's Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Maxim Topilin, voiced his objection to the banning of abortion in Russia, the Interfax news agency reported.

Topilin told journalists in Yakutsk on Tuesday that banning abortion was “an old and dusty position,” recommending “preventative work” instead.

“I think because of this (a ban on abortion), the harm would be much greater,” the minister said, adding that the measure would lead to dangerous illegal abortions.

In June 2016 Russia's Interfaith Council, consisting of leaders and representatives of Russia's traditional religions, called for abortion to be removed from the state's compulsory healthcare system. Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, also voiced support for a ban on abortion.

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