The Russian lower house of parliament recently approved a bill outlawing propaganda that discourages people from having children. This legislation is part of a series of restrictive laws aimed at tightening control over society. The bill criminalizes spreading information advocating voluntary childlessness, with violations punishable by fines of up to five million roubles. Supporters of the bill argue that arguments against having children are part of efforts by the West to weaken Russia by encouraging population decline. President Vladimir Putin and other top officials have been promoting so-called traditional values, with Putin advocating for large families and urging women to have as many as eight children.
Since sending troops into Ukraine in 2022, Putin has characterized the West as “satanic” and accused it of trying to undermine Russia by exporting liberal ideologies. Some officials believe that discouraging childbirth is part of an anti-demographic information sabotage, an element of a hybrid war aimed at reducing and destroying the population. In recent years, Russia has implemented laws restricting LGBTQ information, with the Supreme Court outlawing the international LGBTQ movement as extremist. Additionally, a bill was passed last month prohibiting the adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender transitioning is legal.
Some Russians, including the director of a conservative television channel, have welcomed the passage of the bill, viewing discouraging childbirth as a disease or pathology that needs to be treated. However, women’s rights activists have criticized the legislation, arguing that lawmakers are looking for the cause of Russia’s falling birth rate in the wrong place. These activists believe that the decision not to have children is primarily influenced by material and economic factors. Members of a consortium of women’s rights NGOs assert that addressing issues related to economic stability and support for families would be more effective in addressing the declining birth rate than imposing restrictions on information.
The bill prohibiting propaganda against having children is still in the legislative process, requiring two more readings in the State Duma and upper house vetting before being sent to President Putin for final approval. This legislation is part of the Russian government’s efforts to protect children, families, and traditional values. With Putin and other officials increasingly advocating for large families and promoting traditional values, the passage of this bill represents a step towards strengthening these ideals. The ongoing debates and reactions to the bill highlight the differing perspectives within Russian society on issues related to population decline, freedom of expression, and government control.
