A region in Russia banned abortion for a day on Wednesday to commemorate the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

The Russian Orthodox diocese in the city of Yaroslavl declared January 11 a "day of silence without abortions", and said it was supported by the local health department.

A statement on the diocese's website read: "The event is dedicated to the memory of Bethlehem children slaughtered by King Herod, who wanted to kill the newborn infant Christ. On this day it is forbidden to carry out abortions in all state medical institutions in Yaroslavl Region."