Almost 80% of Russian doctors oppose the initiatives to increase the birth rate proposed by the Ministry of Health and the State Duma of the Russian Federation, according to a survey conducted by the RNC Pharma analyst company and the Medvestnik platform for doctors. In particular, 47.3% of the respondents consider these measures “perfunctory”, since only an increased welfare of the population and more social benefits can guarantee a decreased abortion rate. Another 32.5% “strongly oppose the bans” and believe that it is important to develop “comprehensive abortion prevention programs.” A number of those specialists who chose to give their own answer mentioned the need for free contraceptives for the population. In addition, one of the study participants suggested developing programs to solve the demographic problem, which would be based on the opinions of families, not on bans, and would focus on solving the problems real families face, in particular housing issues.

Around 6.3% of the doctors supported the initiative to lower the abortion rate, but expressed concern that the proposed measures could lead to “a bigger shadow market offering abortion services”, which will not only fail to solve the demographic problem, but will also aggravate a number of issues in the healthcare system. Finally, about 5.7% think that it is necessary “to develop the system of family values”, but this issue can only be considered together with its economic and social aspects.

Only 6.9% of the doctors fully supported the proposed ban, saying that “it is time to put these things in order.” Interestingly, the respondents were almost unanimous; there were no statistically significant differences by region, type of healthcare facility, age, or gender.

Fig. Russia plans to limit the sale of abortion pills, as well as introduce an abortion ban in private clinics. Do you support these measures to increase the birth rate in the country? (single-answer question)