MOSCOW, May 19 (RAPSI) - A bill introducing fines of up to 2.5 million rubles (about $50,500) for abortions in private hospitals has been submitted to Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday.

According to the press release, anyone performing an abortion outside a state-run clinic, and without evidence of a criminal offense, would be subject to administrative fines of 150,000 to 200,000 rubles ($3,000 to $4,000) for individuals, 500,000 to 800,000 rubles ($10,100 to $16,100) for officials and 500,000 to 800,000 or up to 90 days of suspended operation for businesses that are not established as legal entities, and 500,000 to 2.5 million rubles ($10,100 to $50,450)  or suspended operations for up to 90 days for companies.

Additionally, women would only be able to use their compulsory insurance to terminate pregnancy for medical or social reasons.

The bill’s authors clarify that the issue of abortion in Russia, which is widespread and largely tolerated by the public, at a time of demographic crisis is posing a threat to national security. Experts estimate that the actual number of abortions in Russia is 5 million to 8 million a year, with the majority performed at private clinics.

The parliament members also propose spending the funds that are spent annually on abortion (around 5 billion rubles, or $101 million) on financial support for pregnant women in difficult situations.