Russia's Struggle with Demographics and Abortions
Russia is wrestling with a pressing issue: its shrinking population. However, the Russian government isn't turning to traditional methods to boost birth rates. Instead, they're clamping down on women's reproductive rights, specifically abortions.
Some regions in Russia are tightening their abortion policies, inspired by the Russian Orthodox Church's anti-abortion stance. Kremlin leader Putin, too, seems to agree with this perspective, viewing abortions as counterproductive to the state's interests. Abortions have become a hot-button issue in the country, with strong opinions on both sides.
The Church's Influence
In Putin's eyes, the solution to Russia's shrinking population lies in reducing abortions. This stance comes from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. Kirill believes that, if abortions ceased entirely, the population would grow again "as if by magic." This attitude, unfortunately, has real consequences for Russian women.
In some regions, abortions in private clinics have already become restricted, and doctors at state clinics are being encouraged to discourage women from having abortions. Activists argue that this is part of a larger campaign to control women's reproductive rights, reminiscent of legislations implemented during times of war.
Financial Incentives and Anti-Abortion Campaigns
The Russian government has tried to encourage Russians to have more children by providing financial incentives. However, the consensus among experts is that this has not been an effective solution to the demographic crisis. The impact of the war in Ukraine has only worsened the situation, with Putin regarding the situation as a "question of national survival."
The War and Demographics
Putin's opposition to abortion stems from a belief that any opposition to the government's positions on social issues is a Western ploy. According to political scientist Tatiana Stanovaya, Putin sees measures to restrict abortions as part of this supposed Western scheme.
Since Kirill's call for more difficult abortions, over a dozen Russian regions have begun to prohibit or restrict abortions in private clinics. Private clinics are significant as they primarily administer the abortion pill and ask fewer questions.
Potential Consequences
If private clinics were banned from performing abortions, demographer Viktoria Sakjewitsch fears a "gray area" of facilities will emerge. These facilities will charge for abortions, disproportionately affecting low-income women who account for the majority of abortions. The potential for a black market for abortion pills and even back-alley abortions is a real concern.
The Divide Within the Government
The issue of abortion restrictions has split the Russian government. While some men in the government support the new measures, Valentina Matvyenko, a high-ranking politician, warns of "tragic consequences." The debate might escalate, with more bans and restrictions on the horizon.
Attempts to Divert Attention Away from the Real Issue
Political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann argues that politicians are trying to distract people from other pressing issues, such as the war in Ukraine or economic instability, by focusing on the demographic crisis. Instead, Schulmann suggests, they should address the root causes of the shrinking population, like the high mortality rate among young men due to combat.
Unfortunately, many Russians do not have that option. The discussion surrounding abortions has become a point of contention, with women's rights at the center. However, the long-term impact on the country's demographic situation remains to be seen.
