New Guidelines for Abortion Approved
The Russian Ministry of Health has approved new clinical guidelines for conducting abortions, aiming to provide comprehensive information to patients.
According to Lenta these guidelines include recommendations for ultrasound (US) examinations during which women can see the fetus and hear its heartbeat.
Published in the Ministry's clinical recommendations section, the document emphasizes the risks associated with abortion, such as infertility, chronic inflammatory processes, and potential cardiovascular diseases.
Safety and Complications
The approved guidelines underscore that abortion is not without risks, highlighting various potential complications. These include infertility and chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as the development of cardiovascular diseases.
The document also stresses the importance of immediate medical attention for women who change their minds after initiating medication abortion.
In such cases, a healthcare provider will conduct an ultrasound to assess fetal heartbeat and may prescribe treatments aimed at preserving the pregnancy.
Policy Shifts on Reproductive Rights in Russia
In April, it was reported that 46,000 women in Russia chose to forego abortions in 2023, according to statements from the Minister of Health, Mikhail Murashko.
The country has seen regional authorities imposing restrictions on reproductive rights, introducing fines for promoting abortions and prohibiting procedures in private clinics.
At the federal level, efforts to curb abortions are framed as measures to increase birth rates, reflecting ongoing policy shifts and debates surrounding reproductive healthcare in Russia.
