Russia’s Investigative Committee is planning to arrest a number of single, gay men on child trafficking charges and threatening to place their children in foster care for the duration of the investigation. These men became fathers through in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures and surrogate mothers, which is against Russian law because only married couples and single women are allowed to act as donors. This law demonstrates the pervasive homophobia present in Russian society and how it is reflected in policy.
Moscow’s health department has expanded its list of people that are required to stay home and self-isolate as the number of new daily coronavirus cases has risen in Russia. Now, this list includes pregnant women and women who have recently given birth because they are at a higher risk of suffering from severe cases of COVID-19. While this recommendation is founded on good intentions, the Russian government and healthcare system need to take more concrete action in resolving other issues directly affecting women's health and safety.
