Russia, which recorded its lowest birthrate in 25 years during the first half of this year, has introduced a bill as part of its efforts to counter the low birthrate by banning public advocacy for a child-free life.
On Wednesday, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported that a bill to prohibit promoting the so-called child-free movement was submitted to the State Duma (lower house of parliament).
This legislation prohibits encouraging a childless life across the internet, media, films, documentaries, and advertisements. The government aims to legally restrict any portrayal that makes life without children and family seem more appealing.
The bill includes fines of up to 400,000 rubles ($4,300) for individuals, 800,000 rubles ($8,600) for public officials, and 5,000,000 rubles ($54,000) for companies that violate the law.
Reactions to this bill have been mixed. Some welcomed the legislation, attributing the rise of child-free living to the influence of Western culture.
On the other hand, critics argue that having children is a personal choice, not something that should be dictated by law. Some suggest that instead of banning the promotion of the child-free movement, laws should focus on creating a better environment for raising children.
It appears that this bill aligns with the sentiments of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In February, Putin stated that for Russia to survive as a nation, each family must have at least two children.
In September, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, when asked about the related legislation, stated, “Russia needs a plan to increase the birthrate,” adding that “raising the birthrate is one of the top priorities for the government and the entire country.”
As of 2023, Russia’s birth rate is approximately 1.5 children per woman, below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population.
Meanwhile, Russia’s population decline has become a growing concern, as the number of deaths has risen due to the ongoing war with Ukraine, now in its third year.
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