New project supports single mums

The Sisters of the Order of St Anne in Vladivostok, Siberia, are launching a new programme to support expectant single mothers. The project could prove a lifeline for hundreds of women who would otherwise be forced to terminate their pregnancies. According to a recent report by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), abortion is the most frequent form of birth control used in Russia. Last year a total of 2.3 million abortions were officially registered. This means that in Russia today there are two abortions for every live birth. During their lifetime, individual Russian women have on average eight abortions. Bishop Mazur, administrator of Eastern Siberia, said the sisters, with support from the charity Aid to the Church in Need and other organisations, would be helping women with accommodation, child care, food, clothing and medical facilities.