Members of the Ukrainian feminist group Femen have staged a topless protest against a church-backed bill that would ban abortions.

The women climbed the bell tower of Kyiv's central St. Sophia cathedral, stripped off their tops, and rang the bells in a protest against what they called a "criminal plot between the church and the state."

The protest was dispersed by police.

Abortion is currently legal in Ukraine up to the 12th week and in certain cases up to the 22nd week of pregnancy.

The proposed bill would ban all abortions except special cases allowed by the law, like medical emergencies.

Femen, a group known for staging topless protests, supports women's rights and fights prostitution and trafficking.

Based on reporting by AFP

Via: rferl.org

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