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Hello, it's 639 days since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine,

and Vitaly, you've been working on a pretty shocking and really important story,

which involves essentially an anti-abortion campaign in Russia.

Yes, it seems to be gaining speed,

and it's triggered by the fact that Russia is in demographic trouble.

Its population is stagnating, aging, its death rate has consistently exceeded its birthrate,

and the number of abortions is very high too.

Almost a third of Russian women say they've had an abortion.

So, this means fewer taxpayers, fewer workers, and fewer soldiers available to fight

in all the wars waged by Russia.

So, this obviously worries Russian government and various politicians,

especially at a time when it's fighting a war with Ukraine.

So, here's one politician, a senator, and formerly commissioner for children's rights, Margarita Pavlova.

During the special military operation, this should be seen as a separate type of security,

both strategically and tactically, because it directly affects our state's existence.

If there are no people, there'll be no defense capability, and our country will cease to exist.

Therefore, we have to think long-term and give priority not to the economy,

but to the security and the interests of our country and its people.

But the West against Russia, and that young women in Russia need to focus on childbirth more,

not on things like education.

Wow. So, how are they actually stopping women having an abortion?

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