Russia plans to refer women who do not want children to psychologists under new health guidelines aimed at tackling the country’s growing demographic crisis.
The policy comes as Russia faces a declining birth rate, a concern that has remained central to President Vladimir Putin’s agenda during his 25-year rule. The situation has worsened in recent years following the deployment of hundreds of thousands of young men to the war front in Ukraine.
Under the new reproductive health guidelines issued by the health ministry, doctors are expected to ask women about their desired number of children during medical consultations.
If a woman indicates that she does not want any children, “it is recommended to send the patient to a consultation with a medical psychologist with the goal of forming a positive attitude towards having children.”
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The recommendations, approved in late February, only gained wider attention this week after being reported by state media.
The move adds to a series of measures introduced by Moscow in recent years, including stricter abortion regulations and legislation banning what authorities describe as “child-free propaganda.”
At the same time, the government continues to promote larger families, celebrating them as national heroes while offering financial incentives and social support.
(AFP)