Abortion count in Russia 2000-2023

More than 467,000 abortions were performed in Russia in 2023. Starting from over 2.1 million abortions recorded in the country in 2000, the number of terminated pregnancies has continuously decreased over time. The figures include induced abortions as well as miscarriages. The abortion rate in Russia stood at 303 procedures per 1,000 live births in 2022.

How is abortion regulated in Russia?

Abortions are legal in Russia up to the 12th week of pregnancy and up to the 22nd week in cases of rape. They are conducted in state as well as private medical facilities. In 2022, approximately one-fifth of all pregnancy terminations in the country were conducted in commercial clinics. However, over the past decade, the laws regarding abortion have been tightened, allowing for fewer reasons for pregnancy termination. Moreover, there are proposals to ban abortions in private clinics. In a ranking of European policies by progressiveness and openness to abortion, Russia listed below most Western European countries. 

Contraception use in Russia

Russia was one of the lowest-ranking countries in Europe by access to modern contraception. Approximately 11 percent of Russian women aged 15 to 49 years used hormonal contraceptives, while seven percent used an intrauterine device (IUD). In 2023, the country’s health ministry increased control over the sale and storage of mifepristone and misoprostol, medicines for pregnancy termination.