The Russian government has introduced a new directive aimed at addressing the country’s demographic challenges by encouraging women who choose not to have children to consult with psychologists. This initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Health, is part of a broader strategy to tackle the declining birth rate in Russia.
According to the directive, medical professionals are encouraged to refer women aged 18 to 49 who express a desire not to become mothers to psychological counseling. The goal is to foster a more positive attitude towards motherhood. The guidelines also suggest annual health assessments for these women to evaluate their reproductive health.
The Russian government has been increasingly concerned about the nation’s shrinking population, which is seen as a critical issue for national survival. President Vladimir Putin has prioritized reversing the declining birth rate, which currently stands at 1.4 children per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. This demographic trend has been a focal point of Putin’s administration for over two decades.
In addition to the new psychological counseling recommendation, the Russian government has implemented stricter abortion laws and offered various economic and social incentives to larger families. In 2024, legislation was passed to ban childless adults from being targeted by certain advertisements, further underscoring the government’s commitment to increasing the birth rate.
