Increase observed in the number of abortions performed
In a notable development, the proportion of Russian women choosing not to have abortions has reached nearly 25% as of 2025. This trend, which has been observed for several years, is influenced by a combination of demographic, social, and policy changes.
Russia is currently grappling with a significant fertility crisis, with the number of women of childbearing age decreasing sharply. This shrinking pool naturally impacts birth rates and abortion numbers. To counter this, the Russian government has introduced and expanded financial aid for families, including lump-sum childbirth payments, maternity benefits, and the revival of the Soviet-era “Mother Heroine” award. These monetary incentives aim to encourage women to carry pregnancies to term rather than opting for abortion.
The government has also tightened abortion laws, reducing the allowed reasons for termination and proposing a ban on abortions in private clinics. Additionally, the Health Ministry has increased control over the sale and storage of abortion-inducing medicines. These regulatory changes make obtaining an abortion somewhat more difficult and restricted.
Authorities have also campaigned against “child-free” lifestyles and promoted traditional family values, stressing motherhood as a woman’s true fulfillment. Pregnant schoolgirls receive financial support, and there are pushes from religious and state institutions to discourage abortion culturally.
Regional initiatives have also played a role in reducing abortion rates. For example, some areas have introduced localized payments and support programs aimed at young women, particularly those in vulnerable situations. The federal government’s “Family” national project seeks comprehensive demographic improvement, involving increased maternity benefits, rehabilitation of large family incentives, and discouragement of abortion through policy and social measures.
Despite these measures, experts argue that the demographic and social challenges are deep-rooted, and simplistic financial incentives or cultural campaigns may not fully reverse the decline or abortion rates, especially if younger mothers feel unsupported or deprived of educational and career opportunities.
In 2024, Vice-Premier of Russia, Tatiana Golikova, announced that approximately 42,000 births were preserved due to this increase. This trend was confirmed in various regions, such as Primorsky Krai and Zabaykalsky regions with 18% and Kurgan region with 23% of women choosing not to have an abortion. In the Kurgan region, the number of women choosing to keep their babies rose from 11.6% to 23% between 2018 and 2024. In Buryatia, 1,230 abortions were registered in 2024, down from 1,880 in 2021.
The decrease in the number of abortions has been observed for several years, with 553,000 registered terminations in 2020, 506,000 in 2022, and 467,500 in 2023. Over 500 private clinics across the country have surrendered their licenses for abortion procedures.
The Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg adopted a law in early June that imposes fines on those who persuade women to have an abortion. Similar laws have been adopted in several other regions, including Kurgan, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, Tambov, Oryol, and others.
In conclusion, the decrease in abortion rates is largely driven by tightened abortion laws, expanded financial support to families and young mothers, and cultural campaigns promoting reproductive continuation rather than termination. Regional initiatives complement these efforts through targeted social support payments. However, the overarching demographic decline remains a significant challenge to reversing abortion and birth trends in Russia.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/russian/business-56656172 [2] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/02/25/russia-tightens-abortion-laws-with-new-restrictions-a77624 [3] https://www.bbc.com/russian/business-56805064 [4] https://www.rt.com/russia/550101-russia-abortion-rates-decline/
Science and health-and-wellness journals have reported an significant decline in abortion rates in Russia, largely due to policy changes and incentives for mothers. Mental-health experts have begun to explore the impact of these changes on women's mental health, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
Womens-health and policy scholars have observed the role of womens-health policies in shaping the abortion trends in Russia. They argue that the current policies encourage bearing children and discourage abortion, which can have long-lasting effects on both healthcare and politics.
The trend towards reduced abortion rates has been influenced by policy-and-legislation changes, including the tightening of abortion laws and the imposition of fines on those who persuade women to have abortions. These legal changes have been increasingly adopted in various regions, demonstrating the growing political will to address the issue.
General-news outlets have covered the abortion debate extensively, highlighting the complex interplay of demographic, social, and political factors in shaping the abortion landscape in Russia. The ongoing debate raises questions about the role of the government, the impact of cultural campaigns, and the long-term consequences of the abortion policies implemented.
