Russian Orthodox patriarch writes to pregnant women to encourage them to keep their babies

CNA Staff, Dec 12, 2024 / 06:00 am

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill is sending letters in support of new mothers in Russia as part of a new project designed to encourage pregnant women to keep their babies, according to a Russian state news agency.

There were a reported 500,000 abortions in Russia in 2022, even as Russia’s birth rate hit its lowest in a quarter century this year. Amid the demographic crisis in Russia, the patriarch has committed to combatting the “tragedy” of abortion.

The goal of the letters is to encourage women to keep their babies, according to “Hello, Mom!” leader Natalia Moskvitina, president of the charity group Women for Life.

“Women received letters from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill during their gynecologist appointments at the Church Hospital of St. Alexis in Moscow,” Moskvitina said in a statement to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. “These letters aim to support women during a particularly vulnerable time — the early stages of pregnancy.”

The “Hello, Mom!” project was organized by Women for Life, a pro-life group that was awarded a grant of 5 million rubles (about $46,700) for the project. It also receives state funding. The “Hello, Mom!” letter project now spans 16 regions of Russia, according to a report by RIA Novosti.

Moskvitina said that many women who come to the Church Hospital of St. Alexis were encouraged by others in their lives — whether family members or other institutions — to have an abortion rather than carry the child to term.

“Mothers often come seeking a second opinion — either because they have doubts themselves or want more information about their pregnancy,” she said. “At St. Alexis Hospital, abortion is never suggested. Instead, staff strive to provide care and help women view their pregnancy objectively.” 

In his letters, the Russian Orthodox patriarch offers encouragement and congratulations to the new mothers, wishing them “good health, peace of mind, and many blessings from Christ, the Giver of Life.” 

“You are now experiencing a special time when a great miracle of God is happening: A new person is preparing to come into the world,” a translation of the letter reads. 

“The anticipation of the birth of a child is always filled with both anxiety and joy. But as Our Lord Jesus Christ calls, let not your heart be troubled, and let it not be afraid,” he writes, citing John 14:27. “Let these encouraging words of the Savior, his generous help and love strengthen you on the responsible path to motherhood.

The patriarch’s letter reminds mothers: “You are not alone” and that there are people surrounding them “who are ready to support” them. He also shares his hope that the baby “will be united with Christ in the sacrament of baptism and will receive the opportunity to grow spiritually in the saving grace of God.”

In addition to the letter, patients will be given an information booklet titled “Hello, Mom…”, which details measures that support new mothers at the federal and regional levels, coupons for discounted goods, and a pair of baby booties, according to a report by a local newspaper.

Women for Life’s “Hello, Mom!” group also hosts seminars for doctors, psychologists, and social workers to learn how to support women in choosing life as well as offering a 24/7 pregnancy support hotline.

Abortion is legal in Russia up to the 12th week of pregnancy, and later in some cases. In some areas of Russia, “incitement to abortion” is against the law and punishable by fines. The Health Ministry instructs doctors to encourage pregnant women not to abort.