Fines for "inducing abortion" are being introduced in the Novosibirsk region.
Novosibirsk regional authorities are introducing fines for coercing women into abortions, ranging from 3 to 200 rubles, depending on the offender. The regional government has already approved the corresponding bill.
What does the bill provide?
Regional government approved The bill "On the prohibition of inducement to terminate a pregnancy," previously presented by the Minister of Health of the Novosibirsk Region, Rostislav Zablotsky.
"The law is intended to protect a woman's right to free and voluntary decision-making," the official stated. The document defines "inducement" as persuasion, persuasion, bribery, deception, threats, and blackmail, including through the use of official influence. However, informing about medical or social indications for abortion will not be a violation, Zablotsky promised.
Fines for coercing abortion
Residents are planned to be prosecuted under the regional law on administrative offenses. A new article is being introduced: "Violation of the prohibition on coercing a pregnant woman into induced abortion." Fines are proposed ranging from 3 to 5 rubles for individuals, 25 to 40 rubles for officials, and 100 to 200 rubles for legal entities.
How the ban works in other regions
Similar fines were imposed earlier introduced In Khabarovsk Krai. However, the law there does not apply to family members of the pregnant woman or doctors.
Pro-life activist Natalia Moskvitina reported in the spring that laws against coercion into abortion had already been introduced in 31 regions of the country. The first fines under this statute were issued late last year to a resident of Mordovia. Another case was heard in Pechory, Pskov Oblast: there, an employer "coerced" a woman into having an abortion.
Vologda Oblast deputies consider the current punishment insufficient and propose a complete ban on "incitement to abortion" throughout Russia. This ban should also extend to public promotion of abortion.
What Russians fear
Russians, however, fear that vague wording—like “persuasion” and “persuasion”—creates the risk of arbitrary application of the law and could affect not only loved ones, but also doctors, psychologists, and social service workers.
