Private clinics refuse abortion: what is happening in the Ulyanovsk region

In the Ulyanovsk region, more than a third of private medical organizations stopped carrying out abortions. The region appeared on the map of restrictions presented by the Patriarchal Commission on Family, Protection of Motherhood and Childhood. While we are not talking about a complete ban, but the trend is gaining momentum throughout the country. And the big question remains: how far can restrictions go, and who will ultimately face their consequences?

According to published data, the Ulyanovsk region was among the subjects of Russia, where more than a third of private clinics refused abortion. This means that women have fewer options for choosing a medical facility for abortion.

There is no ban on abortion in the region. However, on another map presented, the Ulyanovsk region is noted among the subjects where the law on the prohibition of inducing women to artificial abortion is considered.

Supporters of such initiatives believe that the state should more actively protect motherhood and create conditions for preserving pregnancy.

“I believe that such measures are necessary. But with them should appear additional payments, assistance to young families and affordable housing. Then women will have more opportunities to preserve pregnancy, — says a resident of Ulyanovsk.

What is happening in other regions of Russia

The scale of the changes goes far beyond the Ulyanovsk region. According to the chairman of the Patriarchal Commission, Priest Fyodor Lukyanov, 1,402 private clinics, or about half of such medical organizations in the country, have stopped carrying out abortions.

In 17 regions, all private clinics refused the procedure. More than two-thirds of non-state medical institutions no longer provide such services in 23 regions. In 35 regions, the share of organizations that refused exceeded a third, and in another 15, the process of imposing restrictions began.

However, this trend also has opponents. They fear that the reduction in the number of medical organizations providing the service will not eliminate the causes of unwanted pregnancy, but will only complicate the receipt of medical care.

“This is a complete mess! Who gave officials the power to decide what a woman should do with her body? They'll raise kids later? Or will they give you money for their maintenance? Instead of normal family support, there are bans. It is not for the state to decide who to give birth to!, a resident of Ulyanovsk shared her opinion.

What laws are discussed in the regions

In parallel, the regions impose restrictions on women's inclination to terminate pregnancy. According to the submitted data, 31 subjects of Russia have already adopted the relevant law.

Lawmakers are considering similar initiatives in another 20 regions, and public work is underway in 38 regions to prepare proposals. At the same time, the prohibition of inclination to abortion and the prohibition of the medical procedure itself are different measures that should not be confused.

There are those who believe that the discussion should begin not with restrictions, but with an analysis of the reasons why women decide to terminate pregnancy.

How the number of abortions in Russia is changing

Against the background of tightening of regional policy, statistics show a decrease in the number of abortions. According to Rosstat, in 2024, 444.3 thousand abortions and miscarriages were registered in the country - 5% less than a year earlier.

The number of abortions for up to 22 weeks decreased from 54.7 to 50.6 thousand. At the same time, the presented indicators alone do not allow us to establish what role the restrictions of private clinics played in the decline.

The topic of abortion continues to cause controversy among public figures and officials, as well as among ordinary residents. Some advocate tougher rules, others fear the consequences of such decisions.

While discussions continue, there is no consensus. And the question of where the care of future children ends and the intervention in a woman’s privacy begins remains open.