In a decisive move to combat its falling birthrate, the Russian government is targeting child-free advocacy through recently passed legislation.
Russia Seeks to Reverse Declining Birthrate with New Legislation
Russia Seeks to Reverse Declining Birthrate with New Legislation
New bill targets advocacy of child-free lifestyles as part of broader pro-natalist agenda.
On November 12, 2024, the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's Parliament, voted unanimously in favor of a bill that would outlaw any materials promoting the choice to live child-free. This includes promoting content across various platforms such as social media, television, and print that presents a life without children in a positive light. Individuals found violating this law could face fines up to $4,000, while organizations could incur penalties of up to $50,000.
This legislative action is part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to bolster population growth amidst concerns about declining birthrates. Officials, including Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, have labeled demographic challenges as critical to the nation’s future. “All efforts to enhance birthrates must be pursued,” he stated, emphasizing a complete removal of any obstacles that might contribute to declining family sizes.
The bill has received strong support from President Vladimir Putin and is expected to pass through the Federation Council, the upper house, before being signed into law. The Kremlin's actions reflect a desire to uphold traditional values in Russian society, positioning the nation against perceived moral decay in the West.
This legislative action is part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to bolster population growth amidst concerns about declining birthrates. Officials, including Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, have labeled demographic challenges as critical to the nation’s future. “All efforts to enhance birthrates must be pursued,” he stated, emphasizing a complete removal of any obstacles that might contribute to declining family sizes.
The bill has received strong support from President Vladimir Putin and is expected to pass through the Federation Council, the upper house, before being signed into law. The Kremlin's actions reflect a desire to uphold traditional values in Russian society, positioning the nation against perceived moral decay in the West.
