In an effort to reverse Russia’s declining birth rate, the lower house of parliament, the Duma, has given initial approval to a controversial bill that would outlaw “propaganda” discouraging citizens from having children. The legislation, which won unanimous backing in its first reading on Thursday, is part of a broader Kremlin initiative to promote traditional family values and address Russia’s deepening demographic crisis.
The bill is designed to limit content across media, internet platforms, movies, and advertising that promotes a child-free lifestyle, which lawmakers claim negatively influences young Russians. Vyacheslav Volodin, Duma Speaker and close ally of President Vladimir Putin, emphasized the importance of shielding the younger generation from ideologies that reject parenthood. He framed the measure as part of a larger legal framework aimed at protecting children, families, and Russia’s traditional values.
“We must safeguard our youth from ideologies that promote childlessness,” Volodin said. “It’s critical for the future of our country.”
While the law is supported by many in the government, critics fear it could undermine women’s rights. Olga Suvorova, a rights activist in Krasnoyarsk, expressed concern that the bill portrays women as mere “vessels” for childbirth, disregarding their personal circumstances, aspirations, or desires to pursue careers. “The message is clear: give birth, and that’s it,” Suvorova said, worrying that this law could pave the way for more restrictions on women’s reproductive rights, including access to abortion.
The bill is seen as part of Russia’s broader national security strategy, according to Deputy Duma Speaker Anna Kuznetsova. Financial penalties for promoting child-free content are steep, with fines up to 400,000 rubles ($4,125) for individuals and 5 million rubles ($51,550) for organizations. However, Volodin clarified that the law is not about penalizing women who choose not to have children. “The decision to have children or not is up to the woman,” he said on Telegram. “But there should be no propaganda that pressures a woman in making this choice.”
Russia’s demographic struggles have been exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Official data shows that the country’s birth rate has plunged to its lowest level in 25 years, while mortality rates continue to rise. Although official war casualty figures remain secret, independent reports indicate that over 72,000 Russian soldiers have died in the conflict as of October 10, adding further strain to the nation’s population outlook.
President Putin has long urged Russian families to have at least three children to ensure the country’s demographic future. The Kremlin views this legislation as a key step in securing that goal and countering what it sees as the influence of Western values that promote individualism over family and national interests.
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