Every year 1.2 million Russian women deliberately...

Several clinics even offered discounts on abortions for International Women"s Day, a popular holiday in Russia.

Meanwhile, the number of abortions in Russia is almost equal to the number of babies born every year. According to data provided by the Russian Health Ministry, in 2008 there were 1.7 million births in Russia and 1.2 million abortions.

Experts say the low birth rate in Russia is reaching a critical point. It began to decline in 1992 as a result of poor medical services, social problems and high alcoholism. The government recognizes the problem, however, and is working to reverse the trend. Earlier this year it heralded statistics showing the country"s population had increased for the first time in 15 years.

MOSCOW, April 2 (RIA Novosti)