Urgent Appeal: Russian Doctors Called to Uphold Womens Abortion Rights Amid Growing Restrictions

Activists are calling on Russian healthcare professionals to advocate for women’s abortion rights as authorities throughout the country increasingly restrict access to the procedure.

“Refrain from participating in propaganda. Remember that abortion is still legal in Russia. Do not hinder the process. Support women in making their choices,” urged the Feminist Anti-War Resistance, an organization established in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, through a digital initiative titled Give Me a Choice.

“If your superiors pressure you to dissuade women, or if you fear inspections—consider finding subtle ways to undermine those practices from the inside,” the group suggested, contrasting their message with a nationwide anti-abortion campaign known as Give Me Life.

Abortion is officially allowed upon request in Russia until the 12th week of pregnancy; however, discussions regarding a possible ban have escalated in recent years due to a worsening demographic crisis and the Kremlin’s emphasis on promoting “traditional family values.”

While officials assert that the procedure will continue to be included in the country’s mandatory health insurance scheme, some regional clinics have ceased offering abortions due to increasing pressure from pro-life activists, local authorities, and the Russian Orthodox Church.

At least 20 regions in Russia, including Kursk, Vologda, and Omsk, have enacted local laws that prohibit any form of encouragement or persuasion to terminate a pregnancy.

Russian law characterizes “encouragement to have an abortion” as any attempt to coerce a pregnant woman into ending her pregnancy through “persuasion, offers, bribery, or deception.”

Fines for “encouragement to have an abortion” range from a maximum of 5,000 rubles (approximately $63) for individuals to up to 500,000 rubles (around $6,389) for organizations.

In December 2023, Russian lawmakers voted against a proposal that would have prohibited abortions in private clinics nationwide, following President Vladimir Putin’s warning against implementing stringent legal measures.