A recent incident in Yekaterinburg has sparked debate about the boundaries between personal beliefs and medical guidance. An official from the regional Ministry of Health recently removed and defaced a poster in a women`s health clinic that listed various contraceptive methods, including sterilization. While the event took place in May, footage of the incident only recently gained widespread attention, prompting questions about the acceptability of certain contraception methods.
The controversy began in May when Natalia Moskvitina, a member of the Public Chamber, host of the Orthodox TV channel `Spas,` and head of the `Women for Life` foundation, noticed the informational poster in a city women`s clinic corridor. The poster detailed various contraception methods, including sterilization, outlining scenarios where they might be necessary and their potential implications. Moskvitina interpreted this as promoting sterilization. Consequently, she, alongside Mark Itskovich, head of the perinatal psychology service at the Sverdlovsk Region Ministry of Health, tore down the banner. Four months later, Moskvitina published a video of this `inspection` on her Telegram channel.
In the video, the dialogue captured their reasoning:
— Given the current demographic situation, you come here, and they offer sterilization – why offer it? It needs to be removed. We need pregnant women.
— Let`s take it down together! And just like that, it`s gone.
Following this, Itskovich trampled the poster, and the clinic was given a pink sticker, an `award` indicating `Improvements are being made here.` Natalia Moskvitina is known for her routine `inspections` of women`s clinics across Russia, where she assesses whether staff attempt to dissuade women from having abortions. Clinics receive a rating sticker based on these evaluations.
Medical Perspective on Contraception
From a medical standpoint, sterilization is recognized as one of the most effective forms of contraception, with women more frequently opting for it. It is an irreversible procedure, meaning natural pregnancy is no longer possible after the operation, with only IVF as an option. However, it is performed strictly by a doctor`s referral and is recommended by the WHO for couples who are certain about completing their reproductive plans. Dr. Natalia Mezhlumova, an obstetrician-gynecologist and Ph.D. in medical sciences, elaborated:
“Naturally, surgical sterilization is not indicated for every woman, and it`s not a widely common method. Yet, patients do come for consultations expressing a desire to avoid various contraception methods, saying, `I already have three to five children, and I`m not planning any more pregnancies.` I believe the public should be aware of such contraceptive methods because there are situations where a woman cannot be prescribed hormonal preparations or other forms of contraception. Patients, in general, need this information, as doctors cannot always present all details during a consultation. A poster allows individuals to become informed. It doesn`t advocate for sterilization; it`s official information about a non-prohibited method.”
— Dr. Natalia Mezhlumova, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
All educational materials undergo evaluation by the Ministry of Health, confirming their role not as propaganda but as medical education. Posters detailing contraceptive methods carry the same official weight as information on COVID-19 prevention. Pavel Bazanov, Medical Director of Eco Family Clinic, emphasizes the necessity of such materials. He notes that many patients are hesitant to ask doctors about contraception, making readily available informational materials crucial for providing foundational knowledge. Furthermore, comprehensive access to contraceptive information is proven to reduce unwanted pregnancies and, consequently, abortion rates. Bazanov continued:
“There`s a vast array of non-invasive contraceptive methods, including pills and implants. When it comes to sterilization, it`s unequivocally a physician`s role to explain that this is an extreme measure, typically reserved for women who have had multiple births, often performed during a C-section, when a woman already has several children and understands she cannot carry and deliver more. It is crucial for women to be aware that such a contraceptive option exists, but only a doctor should recommend it; it`s not a decision solely initiated by the woman. While individuals may have varying emotional responses, doctors must be guided by facts, not emotions. Therefore, every patient must be fully informed about all methods for managing their health. Regrettably, a high incidence of unwanted pregnancies will lead to an increased rate of abortions.”
— Pavel Bazanov, Medical Director of Eco Family Clinic
The poster has since been removed, replaced by a sticker on the door. Ostensibly, this action `protects` women in the clinic from `unnecessary information.` However, as the Russian writer Denis Fonvizin once penned, `Enlightenment elevates a virtuous soul.`
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth