Mironov's reply

To: Pia Locatelli

President of the Socialist International Women, Marlene Haas
Secretary General of the Socialist International Women

Dear Pia and Marlene,

I have carefully read your letter dated September 9, containing your opinion and evaluation of the amendments to the law "On basics of the health of Russian citizens," represented by our party deputy, Chairman of the Committee on Family, Women and Children Elena Mizulina.
I thank you for your interest in the current situation in Russia, women's rights, including their right to abortion. In fact, a situation created here in this area in recent years is very serious, including a number of specific features inherent in our country. Me personally and our faction are of opinion, that the projected law “About the principles of the health protection of the citizen in Russian Federation” is dangerous in present form, because it does not guarantee a really free medical care and indeed dismiss the state of the control over the public health service. That’s why our faction, that pays close attention to this problem, will vote against this projected law.

Regarding amendments of E. Mizulina – this is a private opinion of our faction member.
The faction does not support this amendment and will vote against it.

At the same time I would like to let you know that an information regarding the amendment of E. Mizulina, which supposedly provides a husband’s consent to abortion, does not have any in common with reality.

And nonetheless, for several ethic reasons, and in terms of female and male equal rights observance, as I have mentioned above, our faction won’t support the amendment of the colleague Elena Mizulina.

Allow me to wish you all the best for your hard work at the head of the Socialist International Women and look forward to our further cooperation. I hope that you will find the opportunity to visit our country at a convenient time for you.

Sergey Mironov