Support The Moscow Times!

Vologda Region Reports Zero Abortions in July Amid Governor’s Pro-Natal Campaign

Vologda region Governor Georgy Filimonov. Vladimir Smirnov/TASS

Authorities in the northwestern Vologda region on Thursday reported zero abortions in July for the first time, coming amid broader efforts across the country to increase fertility rates.

Vologda region governor Georgy Filimonov has led a yearlong anti-abortion campaign, vowing to make Vologda the first region to ban the procedure in both public and private clinics. The region is also among dozens that have adopted laws banning any encouragement to terminate a pregnancy.

In a post on Telegram, Filimonov said 356 women were registered for pregnancy and childbirth in July, bringing the number of expectant mothers in the region to 4,170. Abortions, he added, are now performed only on medical grounds or in cases involving criminal acts, though he did not provide specific figures.

A chart shared by the governor showed a sharp drop in abortions in 2025, falling from more than 1,000 between January and July 2024 to just 307 over the same period this year.

Monthly figures showed the decline accelerating this spring, with more than 100 abortions recorded in both January and February, but only seven were recorded in June, and none in July.

Filimonov credited what he called a mix of “preventative and supportive measures” aimed at preserving “the highest value — human life.”

Russia allows abortion on request up to the 12th week of pregnancy, making it one of the most liberal abortion policies in the world. In practice, however, access has narrowed in recent years as authorities seek to reverse falling birth rates.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more