A report on reproductive rights violations in modern Russia: "Rights are not being abolished—they are being emasculated."
Feminist Anti-War Resistance published a report "Special Demographic Operation": The Erosion of Reproductive Rights in Wartime RussiaWe chose the main thing.
Gradual strengthening of state control
The authorities are gradually depriving Russian women of their freedom of choice regarding motherhood, according to the report. Instead of supporting families, the state is increasing pressure and control over their personal lives, trying to force them to have more children at any cost. Moreover, these restrictions weren't imposed overnight; they accumulated over the years.
Restricting access to abortion and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church
Women's reproductive rights aren't being abolished; they're being emasculated by regulations. For example, the number of social indications for late-term abortion has been reduced from 13 (in 1996) to one—pregnancy resulting from rape. Abortion rights are restricted in some form or another in approximately 75 of Russia's 89 regions. "Coercion to abortion" is prohibited in more than a third of Russia's regions.
Over the past 10 years, the number of those who support a complete ban on abortion has grown from 3% to 10%, while the number of those who consider abortion a woman's personal decision has declined from 65% to 47% since 1998. Moreover, the Russian Orthodox Church has played a significant role in promoting the pro-life agenda: the church itself has initiated changes in government policy and has consistently pushed for restrictions on women's rights.
Promotion of motherhood from childhood and social consequences
The formation of reproductive attitudes begins in childhood. The state consistently promotes early motherhood, large families, and childbearing exclusively within marriage. Sexual autonomy, contraception, and the refusal to have children are portrayed as deviant. Since 2018, reality shows about teenage pregnancy have been airing on federal television. Between 9 and 12 minors become pregnant each year.
In the context of regular reproductive violence, the number of convictions for cases of mothers killing young children increased by 36% between 2023 and 2024.