Russian pro-lifers to launch women's health clinics that don't provide abortions

Moscow, July 1 (ENINews)--A Russian pro-life organization is about to
launch a network of clinics offering pre- and post-natal care while excluding
procedures such as abortion and in-vitro fertilization that "contradict the
teachings of the Russian Orthodox, Catholic and traditional Protestant
churches," said Alexey Komov, the project manager.

The Life-Family Medical Centers Network will be run on a franchise basis
under the auspices of "Za Zhizn" ("For Life"), an anti-abortion organization
led by two Russian Orthodox priests. Its formation was announced in Moscow
on 30 June at the end of a two-day summit held by the Rockford,
Illinois-based World Congress of Families (WCF). The clinics will cooperate with
American organizations such as Heartbeat International, which also runs
pro-life medical centers. 

Komov, who is the WCF representative in Russia and most of the former
Soviet Union, said applications to join the project have already come in from
30 cities. Muslims and Jews who are against abortion will also be welcome.
The first clinic should open within a month, he said.