Russia Enacts New Laws to Prevent Coercion of Women into Abortions in Two Additional Regions

This week, two Siberian regions became the 26th and 27th in Russia to enact laws prohibiting the “coercion” of pregnant women into having abortions. This follows ongoing efforts by conservative leaders to increase state interventions aimed at raising birth rates.

The Kemerovo region and the Altai Republic passed these laws on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, which outlaw any form of “persuasion, requests, offers, deception, bribery, or other actions” intended to influence a woman’s decision to terminate her pregnancy.

There are exceptions for medical professionals who provide valid medical or social justifications for an abortion.

Officials claim the purpose of this legislation is to “safeguard pregnant women in their reproductive choices” and to enhance demographic statistics.

Both laws will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

The initiatives have the support of the pro-life organization Women for Life, which has initiated a chatbot encouraging women to report anyone—family members, partners, or healthcare workers—who may have suggested they undergo an abortion.

So far, no administrative cases regarding “coercion” have been initiated, according to the independent news source Vyorstka, which cited Kremlin insiders stating that federal authorities have not mandated regional entities to pursue such prosecutions.

Officials in the regions informed the outlet that demonstrating instances of “coercion” is virtually unattainable.

Conservative legislators and activists closely associated with the Russian Orthodox Church continue to advocate for similar laws at the national level and are preparing to submit relevant legislation before the current parliamentary session concludes.

As reported by Vyorstka, the Kremlin has indicated a willingness to consider the federal proposal, although some officials privately question its practical implications.