Before an abortion, women will be required to listen to the fetal heartbeat The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has approved new clinical recommendations for abortion. These will come into effect on January 1, 2025. The document states that patients will be required, before an abortion, to listen to the fetal heartbeat, see the embryo on an ultrasound, and undergo psychological counseling. Currently, for an abortion, a woman's desire and a term of up to 12 weeks are sufficient. Patients will also be informed that abortion is an unsafe procedure with risks of complications. Among the possible consequences: infertility, breast cancer, chronic inflammatory processes, and cardiovascular diseases. Abortion timelines These will remain unchanged. Termination of pregnancy for medical reasons in Russia will continue to be allowed at any term. Abortions for social reasons (such as pregnancy resulting from rape) will be permitted up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. For "persistent desire of the woman" — up to 12 weeks. The fight against abortions in Russia has been ongoing for several years. The country has already limited the sale of abortion drugs and tightened control over private clinics. Among other discussed measures are banning abortions in private clinics, reducing the term for abortion to 8 weeks, and requiring husband's consent for the procedure. Vladimir Putin emphasized in December 2023 that there is no and will be no ban on abortions in Russia. According to the president, the state is interested in solving the demographic problem and preserving pregnancies. However, the rights and freedoms of women must be respected first and foremost.