Although abortion is legal up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, independent online news outlet Sibir.Realii found that new Health Ministry guidelines now encourage state doctors to dissuade women from having terminations.

Private clinics have also been affected, with many losing their licenses to perform the procedure.

In November last year, an official in Russian-annexed Crimea who was appointed by the Russian authorities, Konstantin Skorupsky, announced that private clinics in the region would no longer perform medical abortions.

Since the war in Ukraine broke out in 2022, 13 regions in Russia have passed legislation aimed at discouraging abortions.

A 2023 study by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) revealed that 22% of Russians view the current period as unsuitable for having children, a notable increase from 17% in 2017.

Economic instability, the war in Ukraine and growing societal tensions have compounded these concerns, with only 37% of respondents believing it is a favorable time to start a family.

The National Research University Higher School of Economics also reported that financial struggles, political uncertainties and emotional stress are leading many Russians to reconsider parenthood.

But in Mordovia, southeast of Moscow, and the northwestern city of Tver, recent legislation penalizes anyone found to be “coercing” women into terminating pregnancies, further complicating access to care.

The issue gained national attention this week after a Russian lawmaker referred to women who choose not to give birth as “scarecrows” during a televised interview, urging them to "give birth while the birthing machine is working."

The remarks sparked outrage online, with many criticizing the government’s dehumanizing approach to reproductive health.

Critics also argue that the Kremlin risks further alienating citizens and exacerbating Russia’s demographic challenges rather than resolving them.