Russian city bans abortion for a day 'in memory of the massacre of innocents'

The local health department is said to have agreed to the proposal by the Russian Orthodox Church

Russia's president Vladimir Putin and Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill have reportedly tightened links between the Kremlin and Church (Reuters)

A region of Russia has banned abortions for one day in order to commemorate the religious day of The Slaughter of Innocents, it has been reported.

Local religious leaders from the Russian Orthodox Church declared 11 January “a day of silence without abortions” to mark the religious feast day, Russia Today reports. The Church says that the ban will be in place in the city of Yaroslavl and that they have the backing of the local health department.

Abortion is legal throughout Russia and the procedure is state funded. However, it continues to be controversial among some conservative, religious groups.

In a statement, posted to the Yaroslavl diocese’s website, the Chruch announces: “The event is dedicated to the memory of Bethlehem children slaughtered by King Herod, who wanted to kill the newborn infant Christ. On this day it is forbidden to carry out abortions in all state medical institutions in Yaroslavl Region.”

A local newspaper for the area said an official at the local state health department confirm the temporary ban will take place.

Local worshippers will also hold a ‘Candle of Memory’ ceremony in memory of terminated foetuses and infants who were killed under the biblical King Herod.

They are also calling on private clinics to opt in to the ban too.

In September, the Orthodox Church stepped up its campaign efforts against abortion. Patriarch Kirill, who is head of the group, signed a petition calling for a nationwide ban on terminations. He has also spoken of his desire to eliminate state funding for abortions in a bid to make them harder to access for women with low incomes.

However, public opinion remains in favour of legal abortions being offered by the state. A nationwide poll recently found 72 per cent of Russians which for abortion laws in the country to remain as they currently stand.