Russia’s Kaliningrad region introduces fines for ‘coercing’ women to have abortions

In Russia’s Kaliningrad region, members of the regional legislative assembly approved a law that would fine “coercing” women to have abortions, the legislature’s press service informed state news media TASS.

The law was passed with an absolute majority. The document was developed after an appeal from Irina Tkachenko, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Kaliningrad region.

According to the law, “coercing” abortion would be considered “a threat to the family, fatherhood, motherhood, and childhood.” “Coercing” is considered to be “an act of inducing an abortion through persuasion and deception.”

In connection with the ban on “coercing” abortion, the deputies also adopted amendments to the Kaliningrad region’s Administrative Offenses Code. The fine for violating the law ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (around $33-$56) for citizens, 10,000 to 20,000 rubles (around $113-$226) for officials, and 30,000 to 50,000 ($339-$565) for legal entities