Natalya Moskvitina, head of the Women for Life foundation, received a State Duma seat through United Russia’s federal party list for Vologda and Novgorod Oblasts, Vologda Oblast Governor Georgy Filimonov reported. Moskvitina thanked the governor for his trust and voters “for their votes, prayers, messages, support, and concern,” promising to continue “serving for the benefit of families.”
Natalya Moskvitina after venerating the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous
Source: Natalya Moskvitina's Telegram channel
Moskvitina’s nomination by United Russia sparked protests. The Alliance of Women’s Initiatives demanded that she be removed from the race, arguing that the activist’s views contribute to increased discrimination against women. The organization launched a petition to that effect, which collected more than 44,000 signatures by the end of the campaign. Moskvitina, however, remained registered as a candidate.
During the election campaign, Moskvitina promoted a bill introducing federal fines for “coercing” women into having abortions, drafted by the Vologda Oblast Legislative Assembly. In July 2026, however, the Federation Council sent it back for revision. In addition, Moskvitina’s Women for Life foundation conducts inspections of antenatal clinics and works to prevent abortions, while Moskvitina herself has repeatedly said that women need protection from being “coerced” into terminating their pregnancies.
Both regions she represents in the State Duma are known for the anti-abortion rhetoric of their leaders: Georgy Filimonov has advocated a complete ban on abortions in Vologda Oblast, while former Novgorod Oblast Governor Andrey Nikitin has called for prohibiting abortions in private clinics.
