Iranian MPs give initial approval for prohibition of measures that decrease birth rate

TEHRAN,June 25(MNA)-- The Iranian parliament approved the general outlines of a plan, according to which any move which could decrease the birth rate would be prohibited. The initial draft of the plan was approved by 106 votes in favor, 72 against, and 8 abstentions on Tuesday. If this bill gets the final stamp of approval from the parliament, vasectomies, abortions, and other actions which decrease the birth rate would be prohibited and violators of the law would face a prison sentence of two to five years. According to the bill, any person who promotes birth control or the prevention of pregnancy should be identified by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and referred to the Judiciary.