Russian mothers who don't want to keep their new babies will be able to leave their newborn children anonymously in special centers, if new legislation pending in the Russian parliament is approved, a parliamentary committee head said on Monday.
The bill, sponsored by the State Duma committee for family affairs and the Russian Orthodox Church, aims to reduce the number of abortions and boost live births.
"Such specialized centers can be set up both at medical institutions and social structures, as well as monasteries and shelters," committee head Yelena Mizulina said.
Under the proposed law, a woman who decides to leave her child at such an institution will be exempt from responsibility.
The centers will only be available for children under six months.
MOSCOW, May 30 (RIA Novosti)
