In at least 44 regions of Russia, pre-abortion counseling is carried out by Russian Orthodox Church staff and pro-li...

In at least 44 regions of Russia, pre-abortion counseling is carried out by Russian Orthodox Church staff and pro-life activists, Verstka has found

According to Verstka’s count, pro-life psychologists work in all federal districts, including annexed Crimea and occupied Luhansk region.

Conservative activists run pre-abortion counseling courses and work as psychologists in hospitals and crisis centers. They violate every possible ethical standard, dissuading women from abortions through manipulation, intimidation, and promises.

In 15 regions, pre-abortion counseling is carried out by priests, sisters of mercy, or employees of Orthodox shelters. For example, women in white headscarves with a red cross conduct pre-abortion counseling every day at Kurgan State Polyclinic No. 1.

In 31 regions, pre-abortion counseling is carried out by pro-life NGOs. The largest of them are ANO “Save a Life,” ANO “Maternal Happiness,” and the Moscow crisis center “Home for Moms.”

According to Verstka’s source in the government of one of the regions of the Central Federal District, there are no strict KPIs for persuading women to change their minds: there are wishes to help reduce abortions, but not a strict requirement with numerical targets. Nevertheless, it is impossible to avoid pre-abortion counseling, under the new Health Ministry requirements it is mandatory for everyone who wants to terminate a pregnancy.

Read more about what a woman in Russia faces when she comes for an abortion in the article on Verstka’s website (with VPN):

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