 The abortion had to be performed in a hospital by a physician and, unless the mother's health was threatened, a fee was charged.Persons who performed an abortion illegally were subject to criminal penalties established by criminal laws such as the Soviet Criminal Code.For example, if the abortion was not performed in a hospital, a penalty of up to one year's imprisonment could be imposed, and if it was performed by a person without an advanced medical degree, a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment was possible.