The Russian Orthodox Church called on the Russian authorities to guarantee the right of medical workers to refuse to perform an abortion for reasons of Christian conscience. This is stated [2]in the document “On the inviolability of human life from the moment of conception,” which was adopted by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church and is subsequently planned for approval by the Council of Bishops.

“The Orthodox Church has deep respect for medical practice, which is based on the ministry of love, aimed at preventing and alleviating human suffering. However, medical personnel involved in performing an abortion are committing an act that directly contradicts the mentioned calling - murder. The Church calls on the state to guarantee the right of medical workers to refuse to perform an abortion for reasons of Christian conscience,” is stated in the document published on the website of the Moscow Patriarchate.

In addition, the Russian Orthodox Church called for a systematic organization of anti-abortion consultation services in medical institutions. Medical, social workers and clergy should be involved in their work. Also, from an ethical and socio-psychological point of view, it “seems desirable” to exclude pregnant women undergoing hospital treatment and women who have decided to have an abortion from staying together in medical institutions.