Russia Proposes Ban on 'Child-Free' Ideology as Birth Rate Declines

According to Reuters, Russia’s parliament is working on legislation to ban the promotion of a “child-free” lifestyle, as the country faces its lowest birth rate in 25 years. The law, backed by Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the State Duma, proposes significant fines for “childlessness propaganda,” which authorities view as harmful to society.

According to Volodin, the legislation targets content that encourages people to consciously avoid having children, labeling it as detrimental to the institution of family. The proposed ban would apply to online content, films, advertisements, and media. Individuals found guilty could face fines up to 400,000 rubles ($4,300), while companies could be penalized up to 5 million rubles ($53,800).

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to address declining birth rates. President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of women having at least three children to secure Russia’s future, framing the country as a stronghold of “traditional values” in contrast to what he describes as a declining West.

The declining birth rate, coupled with rising mortality rates, has become a growing concern for Russian authorities. September’s official data revealed the lowest birth rate in a quarter-century, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Volodin criticized the so-called “child-free movement” for allegedly devaluing parenthood and deterring women from motherhood. He stated that online communities promoting such lifestyles demonstrate “disrespect for motherhood and fatherhood” and harm the foundations of a strong state.

The proposed legislation mirrors Russia’s 2022 law banning “LGBT propaganda,” which prohibits public expressions of non-traditional lifestyles. Materials promoting gender changes are also banned in Russia.

The Kremlin has not yet formally commented on the bill, but spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the importance of addressing Russia’s declining birth rate. In July, Peskov described the situation as “catastrophic” and noted that boosting the birth rate is a top priority for the government.