Yekaterinburg tightens abortion rules with mandatory counselling and waiting periods

Women in the Yekaterinburg region now face stricter requirements when seeking abortions at state-run clinics. Alongside medical consultations, they must attend mandatory psychological counselling and observe a waiting period. The move comes as the local diocese introduces an additional option for spiritual guidance during the process. Under current rules, all women visiting state clinics for an abortion must agree to psychological support as part of the service terms. Clinical psychologists are available in every hospital across the region, and gynaecologists refer patients to them during the first appointment. The length of the mandatory 'reflection period' varies—48 hours for early-term pregnancies and up to seven days for later stages. Counselling sessions take place during this waiting time.

The Yekaterinburg Diocese has also stepped in, offering priest-led consultations for women who request them. This service adds a faith-based alternative to the existing medical and psychological support. Meanwhile, Site.RU contacted the Yekaterinburg Eparchy press service for further details, but a response is still pending. State regulations leave no room for opting out of psychological counselling. Women must comply with the process, regardless of personal preference, before proceeding with the abortion.

The new measures ensure every woman undergoes counselling and a waiting period before an abortion. State clinics enforce these rules uniformly, while the diocese provides an optional spiritual service. The Eparchy press office has yet to clarify how the priest consultations will be integrated into the existing system.