Russia Tightens Restrictions on Abortions

The restrictions appear to reflect the first stirrings of a wider debate over the morality of abortion, as well as the effect abortions on women's health and on the demographic future of Russia, the paper said.

Before, women could get an abortion between the 12th and 22nd weeks of their pregnancies by citing one of 13 special circumstances called "social indicators." Now, the government's decision has reduced the number to four, including rape. Abortion is still unrestricted until the 12th week.