In 16 regions of Russia, pregnant women at antenatal clinics will begin to be given a letter from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' in support of the birth of a child.
Project Manager “Hello, Mom!” Natalya Moskvitina told RIA Novosti that in Mordovia, which became a “pilot region,” during the year of this action the number of abortions decreased by 42%.
“At state antenatal clinics, pregnant women are given a “help folder” at their first appointment: a letter of congratulations from the head of the region and the head of the local metropolitanate, as well as a booklet that describes the types of support for pregnant and postpartum women – what the state offers at the federal and regional levels , NGOs, including Russian [православная] church, as well as business (discounts on services),” Moskvitina said.
In the coming month, pregnant women will receive a personalized letter from Patriarch Kirill in the same folder.
In the letter, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church blesses the woman and her child.
In June, the Russian Ministry of Health updated clinical recommendations for doctors regarding termination of pregnancy. They will come into force on January 1, 2025.
