Great Russian town supports fines for promoting abortion
(MENAFN) Lawmakers in St. Petersburg have moved forward with a bill that would fine individuals and organizations for coercing women into terminating pregnancies. The Legislative Assembly approved the measure in its second reading on Wednesday.
The proposed law targets actions such as persuasion, bribery, deception, or any form of pressure to induce abortion. Fines would range from 3,000 rubles ($40) for private individuals to 50,000 rubles ($600) for officials and legal entities. Notably, penalties could be applied even if an abortion does not ultimately take place. However, medical advice based on health or social factors would be exempt from the law.
The bill aims to support families and motherhood while addressing Russia’s declining population. According to Rosstat, births in the country fell by 3.4% in 2024, with 1.22 million recorded— the lowest since 1999. MP Pavel Krupnik, a bill sponsor, emphasized the severity of the issue, noting that around 500,000 abortions occurred in 2024, with only a quarter performed for medical reasons. He also highlighted that many women risk losing fertility after abortion.
The legislation still requires final approval in a third reading before becoming law. Similar laws have already passed in over ten Russian regions, including Bryansk, where a comparable measure will take effect on September 1. Other regions like Murmansk and Pskov have introduced alternative proposals, such as financial incentives for doctors who encourage women to carry pregnancies to term. St. Petersburg is also considering amendments to provide payments to pregnant college students to discourage delaying childbirth.
Abortions remain legal in Russia and are covered by health insurance. Termination is allowed up to 12 weeks on request, up to 22 weeks for social reasons like rape or spousal death/disability, and at any time for medical reasons.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova reported in March that anti-abortion efforts helped over 37,000 women decide to continue their pregnancies last year.
President Vladimir Putin has opposed outright abortion bans, instead promoting improved economic and social conditions to encourage higher birth rates.
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