Abortion Rights Protests Continue in Rostov-on-Don, as New Laws Restrict Access

Thousands Take to the Streets, Demanding Reproductive Freedom

In the wake of new laws restricting abortion access in Rostov-on-Don, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to demand reproductive freedom. The protests, which began last week, have been met with a heavy police presence, and several demonstrators have been arrested.

The new laws, which were passed by the regional legislature last month, require women seeking an abortion to undergo a mandatory counseling session and wait 24 hours before the procedure can be performed. The laws also ban late-term abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Protesters say the new laws are an infringement on women's rights and will make it more difficult for them to access safe and legal abortion services. They are demanding that the laws be repealed and that women be given the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Police Crackdown on Protesters

The protests have been met with a heavy police presence, and several demonstrators have been arrested. On Wednesday, police used tear gas and batons to disperse a crowd of protesters who had gathered outside the regional legislature building. Several protesters were injured in the crackdown.

The police have defended their actions, saying that they are necessary to maintain order and protect public safety. However, protesters say that the police are using excessive force and that they are trying to intimidate them.

Abortion Rights in Russia

The new laws in Rostov-on-Don are part of a wider crackdown on abortion rights in Russia. In recent years, several other regions have passed similar laws, and there are concerns that the federal government may soon impose a nationwide ban on abortion.

Abortion is legal in Russia up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, but the procedure is highly stigmatized. Many women who seek abortions face discrimination and harassment from medical professionals and from society at large.