Russia plans 'child abandonment' centres

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 specialised centres 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 exempted from responsibility.

The centres, however, will only be available for children under six months.