Registered Abortions in Russia Have Fallen Fourfold Over the Past 15 Years, Report Finds
The number of officially registered abortions in Russia has fallen by almost four times over the past 15 years, according to a report cited by the independent publication Novaya Gazeta Europe. While more than one million abortions were recorded annually in the early 2010s, current figures are measured in the hundreds of thousands, reflecting one of the most significant changes in Russia’s reproductive health landscape in recent decades.
The decline appears to be linked to several factors. Experts referenced in the report point to increased use of modern contraception, changes in reproductive behaviour, improved access to family planning information and broader demographic shifts affecting the number of pregnancies. At the same time, Russian authorities have promoted pronatalist policies aimed at encouraging larger families and increasing birth rates.
The report notes, however, that a reduction in abortion numbers should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of improved reproductive rights. In recent years, Russia has seen ongoing debates about restricting abortion access, expanding mandatory counseling requirements and limiting the role of some healthcare providers in abortion care. Human rights organizations and public health experts have emphasized that declining abortion rates are a positive indicator only when they result from voluntary access to contraception, education and quality healthcare services.
Historical data show that Russia had one of the highest abortion rates in the world during the Soviet era and in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the 1990s, abortion numbers have steadily declined, and this trend has continued throughout the last decade.
Russia’s experience highlights the complex relationship between public policy, demographic change, access to contraception and reproductive decision-making. Public health specialists stress that the ultimate goal should not be the statistical reduction of abortions itself, but ensuring that individuals are able to make informed decisions and access safe, high-quality healthcare services.
Original source: Novaya Gazeta Europe, article available in English.
