Russia Tightens Abortion Access: Urges Women to ‘Sit at Home and Give Birth to More Soldiers’

In Russia, President Putin recently shared that about 617,000 Russian troops are currently involved in the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, 1,500 people are joining the army daily across the country. This news coincides with a series of measures taken by various regions to restrict abortions in private clinics, responding to demands from the Russian Orthodox Church. The timing of these actions has raised concerns, especially since Russia’s abortion rate has already significantly decreased since the 1990s.

President Putin, while opposing a complete abortion ban, believes that terminations go against the state’s interests. He wants women to prioritize safeguarding the life of the child, viewing it as crucial for national survival. Some see these measures as part of a broader crackdown, with Putin perceiving resistance to Kremlin positions as a Western influence. The authorities may see abortions as a way to worsen Russia’s demographic problem, suspecting it to be part of a Western plan.

Experts like Russian demographer Viktoria Sakevich note that Russia’s abortion rate has dropped significantly over the years. However, political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya suggests that more bans and restrictions may be on the horizon. Senior Russian demographer Sergei Zakharov speculates that abortions might be excluded from the state insurance system, aligning with the preferences of the Russian Orthodox Church. He also points out that historically, trying to boost birth rates through restricting abortions has not proven successful.

During a year-end press conference, Putin disclosed the number of Russian troops involved in the conflict and emphasized the ongoing recruitment effort, with 1,500 individuals joining the army daily. He questioned the need for a second wave of mobilization for reservists, highlighting that 486,000 soldiers have already enlisted through contracts with the Russian military. Despite the significant military engagement, Putin argued against further mobilization, stating, “Why mobilization? There is no need.”