Russia Considering Legislation to Limit Abortion

By Contributor | June 3, 2011

AP News reports on a move earlier this week by Russian Parliamentarians to restrict abortion in Russia – a country with a one of the highest abortion rates in the world.

“During the time of the Soviet Union, abortion laws were liberal, and unrestricted termination of pregnancy became virtually the only method of family planning….

Russia’s abortion rates are still among the world’s highest, contributing to a fertility rate of only 1.4 children per woman — far below the 2.1 needed to maintain the existing population. The rate has become a serious concern for Russia as it fights to stem a steep population decline.”

According to AP, the proposed legislation would ban free abortions currently offered at government-run clinics and would also prohibit the morning-after pill without a prescription.

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