Russia is on the brink of a significant shift in its healthcare policies regarding abortion. According to a report by the state news agency RIA Novosti a new bill is in the works that could profoundly impact women's reproductive rights.
The proposed legislation aims to ban private clinics from performing abortions, marking a departure from current practices.
An anonymous source familiar with the matter revealed to RIA Novosti that the bill is being developed and will also seek to reduce the time period during which abortion is permissible. As of now, the details of the bill, including the specific restrictions on the time period, are not publicly available.
This development comes amidst a broader regional push within Russia to tighten controls over abortion services. Several Russian regions have been vocal in their support for imposing fines for what they term as "coercing" women into having abortions, and some have already begun to prohibit these services in private clinics.
The introduction of this bill in the State Duma's spring session signifies a potential shift in Russia's approach to reproductive health and rights. If passed, it could limit access to safe abortion services and potentially lead to an increase in unsafe procedures.
This move is likely to spark debate and concern among healthcare professionals, women's rights activists, and the general public, as it touches on sensitive issues of bodily autonomy, healthcare access, and reproductive rights.
